Pauline Thomas is an acclaimed abstract artist currently living in Carmarthenshire, whose bright and stylised paintings cover both traditional forms of art, such as oils and acrylics, and newer techniques involving digital manipulation. Her more down to earth pieces in her Grand Prix series gained her a place as a finalist in the UK Liberte d’Expression Competition, where her work was displayed in Montreal, and she has also had her works adorn the central buildings of global companies such as Petro Canada and Barclays Bank, in London. She has also been invited to display her work in Italy as part of The International Exhibition Of Contemporary Art Arte Ai Bastioni 2013, and Cardiff Bay’s Norwegian Church Arts Centre has been given the privilege of exhibiting some of her new pieces.
Known for expressing her love of the Welsh countryside via her artwork, Thomas’s passion for her homeland is evident throughout her body of work. Using vibrant imagery she alternates between natural curves and shapes to jagged points and townscapes, to encapsulate her emotional connection to the rural community. This experimental artist is no stranger to working outside of the box, which has allowed her to develop a reputation for creating truly one-off pieces.
Her latest body of work, entitled Wallscapes, is a beautiful and often sombre expression of the Welsh country that none the less manages to encapsulate a sense of optimism and wonder, taking inspiration from the local history and unique folklore of villages that she has such an intimate personal connection with. Anyone with a love of interesting and introspective art, as well as appreciation of the beauty inherent in the Welsh countryside, would be sorely missing out if they were to miss this free exhibition – especially as it is being displayed in such a unique location itself.
Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff Bay
Mon 2-Sun 9 Sept
Admission: free. Info: 029 2087 7959 / www.norwegianchurchcardiff.co.uk
Words: James De Gruyther