ART ACROSS THE CITY | ART PREVIEW
Various locations, Swansea
Until Sun 12 May
words: Rhianon Holley
Taking its inspiration from the city of Swansea, Art Across The City returns with a number of new additions to the city-wide contemporary art exhibition led and commisioned by artist-led charity LOCWS International.
Presenting twelve artworks from a diverse range of international and UK-based artists, the exhibition allows its audience to engage with different pieces of art in accessible public spaces. Five new commissions from artists Pete Fowler, Olaf Breuning, Sinta Tantra, David Long and Philip Cheater join the seven permanent exhibits that are currently prominent within the city.
A Dylan Thomas cosmic makeover is the subject of Pete Fowler’s largest work to date. The vibrant mural, located on the façade of a former nightclub, pays homage to the writing of the famous author along with quirky references to the city’s heritage. Well-known for creating recognisable works for the Super Furry Animals, it carries Fowler’s distinctive trademark character. Along the High Street, Sinta Tantra’s mural Greater Reality Elsewhere references her Balinese heritage with two distinctive golden palm trees in abstract geometric colour.
“To begin at the beginning,” the famous opening line from Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood features as part of David Long’s work. Attached to a large free-standing scaffold outside the Dylan Thomas Centre, this is another nod to the heritage of the city it features in. Taking inspiration from Swansea’s architecture, multi-disciplinary artist Philip Cheater has created three large sculptures that appear to both submerge into and emerge from the green outside of the Guildhall. A unique offering from Olaf Breuning, whose monumental sculptures covered in irreverent doodles asking two simple questions: Yes? No?
The collection sees work “inspired by an aspect of the city’s culture, heritage, architecture, people or landscape,” and as part of the recent additions inhabiting the city, seven permanent commissions further support the programme. These include works by artists Sean Puleston, Rik Bennett, Bristow Lloyd, Bedwyr Williams, Bermingham and Robinson, Mark Folds and Niamh McCann. To find
all artwork throughout the city, visit the LOCWS International website for an artwork location map.
Info: 01792 468979 / www.locwsinternational.com