Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen
Until Fri 21 Oct
Wales has a rich history and tradition of creating textiles for both practical and decorative uses. From the early settlers, creating everything from hand-knitted blankets and hand-stitched quilts, to commercial bedding made on looms, these pieces have helped create a visual identity for Welsh history and establish cultural traditions that have been handed down through the generations. It’s from this tradition and history that 12 contemporary artists have been invited to create pieces which challenge these perceptions; pieces that draw on the themes of language, loss, empowerment, memory and gender.
Some of the artists have chosen to stick to what would be seen by many as the Welsh colour palette of black, ecru and red, but they have experimented with how the medium is used to create a feeling of uncanny familiarity. Other pieces feel disconnected from historical ideas and feelings. Although the pieces are often profoundly different from one another, they are all in some way joined by a thread.
Ultimately, A Darker Thread takes the notion of heritage and turns it on its head, with artists specially selected for their creative but unconventional or confrontational approach to art, pushing boundaries of design through experimentation. This creates a unique and surprising viewing experience for the audience, everyone coming away from the exhibition with a different conclusion.
Admission: free. Info: 01267 222775 / www.orielmyrddingallery.co.uk (EH)