Frances Richards: An Artist Apart
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea
Until Sun 1 Sept
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery assembles a previously unseen collection of drawings, monotypes and embroidery collages, showing the work and perspective of Frances Richards, one of the most celebrated artists of her time.
The exhibition captures both the light and dark years of the painter’s life. Many of this unseen work was created during World War II, reflecting the sombre state of a life lived amidst death and destruction. Richards illustrated the post-war period through embroidery collages, filled with symbolism, and a lightness due to being reunited with her children, from whom she had been separated during the war.
An Artist Apart is curated by Richards’ daughter Rhiannon Gooding and accompanied by a thoughtful essay in which Gooding reflects on her feelings about her mother as an artist and person. Richards’s earlier works contain elements of Biblical religious feeling and mystery –though, according to Gooding, the artist did not stay fast to Biblical themes throughout her entire work, the ideas and stories remained with her always.
The exhibition promises to be a fascinating journey of Richards’ life, work, and perspective, and will give viewers a glimpse into one of the most creative minds in 20th century art.
Admission: free. Info: 01792 516900 / www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian
words Janani Suri