The Museum in the Park, Stroud, 2022
This is the second group exhibition of artists that have been involved with Brancaster since its inception in 2013. The Chronicles, in this time, have featured artists who have offered up their studio practice for scrutiny and wider discussion. The ensuing discussions have evolved from transcripts to films, and the work, having gone through the baptism of critical fire, has developed in, at times, quite unforeseen ways. There is no house style, no unifying approach, just a desire in each artist to push their work on, on their own terms, at their own pace, in their own way. If there is a commonality, it is the desire to make work with ambition and to see what abstract can be to each artist.
The work in this exhibition is primarily two-dimensional (due to the logistics and particular operating procedures of the museum). It is a shame we cannot see any sculpture on this occasion. The work on show is diverse, eclectic and demands our attention. In an age when the ambition in art is often to produce things that lurch towards a form of entertainment or crass titillation, the works here do no such thing. Rather, there is a desire in each artist to root us to the spot and ask questions of our engagement with their work. The rewards in such an engagement are greater. For one thing the passive act of regarding becomes a more active form of looking – seeing how decisions are made, over time, in the unfolding new reality of a form of art which we can call “abstract”. Yet, no artist here is fully comfortable with such an assertion; they are all much more cagey in their ambition, unsettled even, full of curious doubt and trying to be ever alert to the next discovery. No great claims are made, no worlds turn on a thought. It’s quiet, steady and probing. Everyone is in it for the long haul.
The work will posted on the site and comments are welcome: this is what the DNA of the Chronicles is all about. We thank Noela for all her hard work in curating the exhibition and we thank the Museum in the Park for giving us the space for the duration of the show.
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Works exhibited:
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John Bunker
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Robin Greenwood
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Sarah Greenwood
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Alexandra Harley
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Harry Hay
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Noela James Bewry
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Patrick Jones
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Nick Moore
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Fred Pollock
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John Pollard
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Hilde Skilton
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Anne Smart
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Steven Walker
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Richard Ward
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Emyr Williams
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Brancaster Chronicles 
Having just come home from the opening, I am struck by the variety of different approaches toward dealing with a non representational environment in two dimensions. Furthermore it is apparent that all of the work can be characterised by the amount of thought and consideration that has gone into every piece, regardless of wether you may like or dislike a particular approach you cannot ignore the sheer effort that has gone in. It is an effort of intelligence rather than energy, a teasing apart of obscurity and chance , to start to build an abstract structure within the void.
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I have had many thoughts after seeing this show, however one lasting impression is how physicality is interpreted in different ways, from the strong gestural physicality of Alex and Richard, to the subtle physicality of Patrick, where the canvas starts coming alive as a result. And then we have my painting hanging next to Emyr’s, with its uncompromising directness compared to my more nuanced layering. And then there is Noela’s where the layering is so beautifully interwoven. The physicality in Robins painting is bound up in the process of moving paint around as physical stuff, and then torn off again in patches. The physicality in Fred’s painting is in each individual decision made and put down physically building the painting to become thought built. By contrast Steven’s painting gives the impression of complete abandon of control, only to be regained at the end. Anne’s painting has literal physicality in the texture, however the processes by which it is arrived at is unfathomable.John Bunker,s collages are a very physical construction which are completely absorbed into the intense visual physicality of the final image. Finally, I greatly enjoyed seeing again the work by Sarah, Nick, Harry and John Pollard.
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I feel Mark and Hilde have covered important and pertinent points about this exhibition.
I thank them for their insights.
I thought I would post some of the comments we received from the public.
Overwhelming high praise with just a few negative remarks;
‘Enjoyed the movement and colour’
‘Colourful and vibrant, really makes me want to paint’
‘Great exhibits especially Emyr Williams’ work, I would like to see more from this artist.
All exhibits were amazing, a really enjoyable experience’
‘Superb gallery, lots to see’
‘Unique collection. Great to see such a fantastic group of abstract art.’
‘A lovely idea and dramatic outcome’
‘Wow! Excellent, more shows like this please!’
‘Fabulous’
‘Inspirational’
‘Vibrant colourful and uplifting.’
‘Bit like marmite, loved the quilts. Is Fred related to Jackson? Abstract at its best.’
‘I love the colours’
‘As someone on the journey to abstraction this exhibition is so expanding.’
‘Singing colours, rhythm, echoes, flickers, fascinating to a representational painter. Loved it.’
‘Loving the colour and energy going on, an uplifting show.’
‘Exciting, thought provoking, whole thing feels cohesive.’
‘…particularly liked NJB’s work, her understanding of colour and feeling of 3D with colour, shape and brushstroke.’
‘Diverse and informative.’
‘Robin Greenwood had so much depth. Tranquility amongst the chaos.’
‘Wonderfully consistent and eye popping.’
‘Loved the patchwork.’
‘Wonderful to be in a room filled with abstract work of this quality.’
‘Real treat to see so much abstract work together’
‘A rich and vibrant experience from the depth of ‘Nightshade’ to breezy ‘Sidmouth’ -love it.’
‘Lovely colours, I especially like ‘Happenstance Landings’ by Anne Smart.’
‘Very much worth the long drive to see this show. Patrick’s ‘Sidmouth’ was the work I kept coming back to’
There were more positive comments from people but they tended to repeat what was already written.
The meet the artist event went very well, it was good to have people’s responses in person.
All the works on show had favourable comments from various visitors and friends.
The few negative remarks were not worth including here as they were not in any way constructive,
but if you want them let me know.
I am so glad we had this show, lucky Stroud!
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ps. When I ran the Children’s Collage Workshop they loved Hilde’s, Patrick’s and John Bunker’s work.
They had photos taken of themselves, with their work, in front of the the paintings and collages.
They were so responsive it was wonderful to see!.
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