Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen
Sat 14 Jan – Sat 11 Mar
What a way to start the New Year! Oriel Myrddin gallery, Carmarthen is set to host former Welsh artist of the year, John Abell’s works from January to March, 2017. Lost Conquistadors and Other Works is an eclectic series of watercolour and woodcuts, all depicting the journey of a fleet of Spanish soldiers (conquistadors), mythological characters and contemporary day to day life.
Having been kicked out of school as a child, John Abell took to the Cardiff streets or couch surfed whenever the opportunity arose. But, as Abell was seeking solace from his former drug addiction, his prefabricated woodcut entitled, Three Graces: The Floods Left Them was recognised at St David’s Hall in Cardiff. The entry would secure Abell the ‘Welsh Artist of the Year’ prize, a far cry from the cold concrete floors of Cardiff he had previously found himself on.
The fractured and intricate woodcut prints are synonymous with contemporary and mythological life. Having merged the two themes together, he has succeeded in creating a visual storybook.
Contrary to the monochrome woodcut prints, Abell’s watercolour series is dominated by vivid yellow and blue tones, equivalent to that of Fauvism.
Admission: free. Info: 012 6722 2775 / www.orielmyrddingallery.co.uk