Martin Tinney Gallery, Cardiff
Until Tue 15 March
Inspired by signs, symbols and patterns found in both natural and man-made environments, this exhibition brings together influences from a mixture of cultures and landscapes found on the artist’s travels. Born in Uganda in 1972, Oliver Gaiger grew up in Sudan, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Falkland Islands and Cornwall. Now living in the Cambrian Mountains, his work represents the importance of objects and living things within the vast and wild landscape and is heavily influenced by native African and Oceanic art found in places where he spent his childhood. This month, Gaiger will be showcasing an array of 25 paintings, including acrylic paintings, etchings and drypoints, at Cardiff’s Martin Tinney Gallery. Gaiger’s paintings, packed full of varied colours and abstract shapes, are blended with more symbolic forms on textured backgrounds, whereas his prints are mainly black and white, with colour only added to create expression. His vibrant oil paintings, produced on wooden panels to allow more vigorous painting, form a dense texture from layers of paint, while the artist’s unique sculptures focus on the interrelationship between different forms and the spaces they occupy. Gaiger’s artwork has been displayed at various galleries across the UK, and his inspiring creations show just how influential different cultures and environments can be.
Admission: Free. Info: 029 2064 1411 / www.artwales.com
words ELENA HECTOR