The exhibition Undod – translating as ‘unity’ for non-Welsh speaking readers – at Cardiff’s Blackwater Gallery plays host to art that should suit every taste. Running until Fri 22 Apr, Blackwater’s ability to exhibit those emerging onto the Welsh art scene remains unmatched; this exhibition is masterfully curated to give each individual artist the space to be noticed and admired whilst allowing all pieces to come together to form a cohesive whole.
Some of the art, as is to be assumed, seems grouped together in order to tell a tale. John Wall’s frequent references to his theological interests, each drawing harkening back to the sketchbooks of Leonardo da Vinci, portray bodies twisted and intertwined, seeming almost ethereal. Sian Wroe Jones’ collection offer bright images comfortable on the eye, their depictions of human togetherness offer a soothing slice of life scenes, with CINO and Trick Or Treat especially noteworthy examples.
This eclectic mix of pieces seem entirely cohesive, until one lays eyes on the bold brights of Chris Pompa’s mixed media that offer a welcome jolt to the system; an explosion of colourful chaos. A sense of calm is restored by Ian McKenzie’s photorealist paintings, offering insight into his career in the police force, the pieces have the power to engender true, raw emotion, with enough depth that it’s possible to get lost within them.
Finally, the collection is brought to a close by Jamie Gallagher’s oil paintings. The visceral beauty of the bodies on each canvas marry colour, emotion and experience of the theme of unity, and leave one with a lingering sense of calm that remains long after one has stepped away from the painting.
Blackwater Gallery, Cardiff Bay, until Fri 22 Apr. Viewings by appointment only; artworks available to buy at the gallery or online. Info: here
words DAISY GAUNT