FIVE local artists have been successfully shortlisted in an international open art competition organised by Wells Art Contemporary (WAC).
Rob Irving, Sandra Porter, Vivien Meadows, Brian Baxter and Alessandra Alexander were all shortlisted for the art competition. Their work will be included in an exhibition to be held in Wells Cathedral, from 30th July to 28thAugust.
Both Rob Irving, an artist with a background in photography, and Sandra Porter have exhibited at WAC in previous years.
For Vivien Meadows it was her first time entering the competition. She said “I’ve visited the exhibition over the years and love the variety of work and the backcloth of the cathedral.”
Award-winning writer on ecologism, Brian Baxter, says he was inspired by ‘the international stance and the capacity to gain a wide audience of discerning viewers’. His watercolour and collage, Pigeon et Poussin, pulls together his life-long interest in wildlife, the natural world and art.
It was also particularly pertinent for artist Alessandra Alexander whose work is inspired by the local environment. “My current work is on the disastrous disease of ash dieback which has really hit the Mendips hard,” she explains. “The piece selected is of a little moth that is obligate – i.e. relies totally – on ash trees.”
Sandra Porter says she is delighted to not just have a painting in the exhibition, but also to have her installation piece selected. ‘Stations’ will be placed on the floor around the Font. “I have long been interested in The Stations of the Cross,” she explains. “This is an abstract representation which interprets Christ’s Passion as a journey from the darkness to the light.”
Paddy O’Hagan, WAC chair, says: “Contemporary art is produced by artists who are living in our time. And let’s face it – this is a particularly testing and fascinating period of history. The exhibition reflects that in all its multifaceted glory.
“The installations provide a captivating reinterpretation of Wells Cathedral. Having seen all the proposals and artistic impressions, I can’t wait to see everything in situ. It promises to be a truly immersive experience.”
This year’s competition received over 3,200 submissions from 49 different countries. After much deliberation, the judging panel has selected 123 artworks, showcasing an array of disciplines and mediums across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, sculpture and installation.
Wells Art Contemporary is free to visit. A virtual exhibition will also be available to view for those who are unable to visit the Cathedral in person. Visit wellsartcontemporary.co.uk
