The latest exhibition at Rye Art Gallery, just opened and running until August 30, combines works for sale from local, contemporary artists, with paintings from the Gallery’s permanent collection, all with the theme of sea and seaside. The surrounding landscape, particularly the Dungeness promontory, provides inspiration for the late Brian Yale’s (1936-2009) “Stark View of Shingle”, donated by his widow to the collection.
This near desert part of the coast also inspires the paintings for sale by Keith Purser, who lives and works near the Dungeness power station, in sight of the French coast. Purser balances two very different approaches to landscape painting – one abstract and one figurative. The sea and the shore are turned into harmonies of colour, texture and form.
Other contributing artists to this show are Robert Sample, John Ryan, and Sarah Young, among numerous painters from past and present. There is also a fascinating collection of ceramics and crafts.
During this summer holiday time, the Gallery will be running a video installation workshop, in conjunction with Rye Studio School, looking at film’s potential as a creative medium. There will also be a Rye College GCSE Show: “This Year’s Young Talent, Tomorrow’s Artists”. This is part of the Gallery’s ongoing attempt to broaden the audience for art, as it is never too early to start producing or collecting works of art. A date for your diary – our next major exhibition begins on September 5 and “Face the Front” will contain compelling, cutting edge works from national artists working locally – look out for details.
Image: Rye Art Gallery