PHYTOPIA

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea

Until Sun 26 May

Phytopia is a multimedia art exhibition comprising of film, photography, sculpture and painting, including works from 20 artists, some of which are being shown for the first time. The theme explores the concept of a ‘tree of life’ and how it is understood in its genealogical, cultural and political forms.

Notably, the exhibition will feature sculptural work from filmmaker and artist Derek Jarman – a high profile gay rights activist until his death in 1994, something reflected in works such as his feature film Carvaggio and 1993’s Blue, which explores his AIDS diagnosis through the medium of a single blue screen and voiceover. A number of Jarman’s sculptural pieces will be displayed for the first time as part of the exhibit.

The exhibition will also feature the work of black and white landscape photographer Fay Godwin. Later in life, however, Godwin herself rejected that term, insisting she was a ‘documentary photographer’. Nevertheless, her images remain sweeping portrayals of the English countryside, including intimate documentations of the abuses of the landscape. Phytopia promises to be a diverse and intriguing collection of work from renowned and celebrated artists.

Admission: free. Info: 01792 516900 / www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian 

words Bethan Goodwin