Oriel Yr Add Gallery, National Botanic Gardens, Carmarthenshire
Sat 20 Jan -Tue 20 Mar
This two-month long exhibition by Julie Ann Sheridan, a painter from Llangadog in Carmarthenshire, is a collection of large acrylic abstracts that were inspired by the lichens within the National Botanic Gardens (where this exhibition is on display).
Sheridan’s previous work has largely focused on ‘the minute and the massive’. This exhibition is no different, as it focuses on the critical importance of a very small organism: the lichen. The relatively unimpressive size of lichens means they can be easily overlooked, but Sheridan’s work aims to demonstrate both the environmental importance and the physical beauty of these tiny organisms. Sheridan uses bright acrylic paints to achieve this aim, and has done so very successfully.
The programme of lichen transplantation and the protection of critically endangered lichen at the National Botanic Gardens was Sheridan’s inspiration for this exhibition. Her paintings emphasise and enlarge the anatomy and colours of these natural forms to really demonstrate their significance within our natural world. West Wales has one of the best climates for supporting the growth of lichen, including many rare species, so the National Botanic Gardens are the perfect place to display and appreciate Sheridan’s site-specific work.
Sheridan also aimed to link the lichen in her art work to ideas from Japanese artistic philosophies. The word ‘Ma’ in Japanese can mean gap, pause, or thee space between two parts. These empty spaces are equally as important as the objects they surround. In Sheridan’s paintings the gaps between the lichen add a sense of movement and energy to her work. Her use of the colours black and gold is also closely related to the same concept.
Lichens may appear to be an unusual focus for an exhibition, but Sheridan’s work certainly demonstrates that these tiny organisms are an essential and intricate part of our natural environment. They are essential carbon dioxide converters, pollution absorbents which provide food and habitat for a variety of creatures, whilst also being important within medicine – Sheridan’s exhibition portrays lichens as extremely beautiful organisms.
Admission: free. Info: 01558 667149/ www.julieannsheridan.co.uk
