Objects in Focus June 2020
Objects in Focus for June 2020
Self-portrait (1987) by Harry Holland
Harry Holland’s reputation stretches well beyond his home
city of Cardiff, where he has lived since 1973. A figurative artist with
extraordinary technical ability, Harry has exhibited widely and has work in
international collections including the: Tate, Metropolitan Museum of Art and
National Portrait Museum of Canada. Throughout his career, Harry has focused on
the often unfashionable formal and technical aspects of painting, drawing
inspiration from classical themes, which he applies to the modern world. This
highly accomplished self-portrait was acquired by Newport Museum and Art
Gallery in the early 1990s. It shows Harry in a reflective and confident moment
in his career.
Self-portrait (1987) by Sara Rossberg
Sara Rossberg is recognised for her striking figurative paintings
and drawings. Her work features both groups and individuals, with a strong
emphasis on the head and face. This sombre yet moving self-portrait was painted
when Sara was in her thirties. It captures her in a deeply contemplative mood.
Painted in acrylic on canvas, the detail from Sara’s piercing eyes to the
threads in her woollen jumper is truly remarkable.
In 1987, Sara’s self-portrait was exhibited alongside Harry
Holland’s (see last week’s Object in Focus) at the Artsite Gallery in
Bath. Newport Museum and Art Gallery’s Keeper of Art – Roger Cucksey was torn
between the two paintings, ultimately seeing them as a pair. With grant aid,
Roger was eventually able to acquire both artworks for Newport Museum and Art
Gallery.
Gwent Coal Yard by Falcon Hildred
In
1987, industrial archaeologist and artist, Falcon Hildred was commissioned to
undertake an ambitious project documenting the changing face of Newport,
recording sites and buildings which were in danger of demolition. In total, 40
drawings were produced, 30 of which Newport Museum and Art Gallery purchased.
The
project was called ‘Newport Now’ and when part-completed was exhibited at
Newport Museum and Art Gallery, as part of the institution’s 1988 centenary
celebrations. The following year, the exhibition went on to Heidenheim,
Newport’s twin town in Germany. In 1990, the completed project was exhibited
under the title: ‘A View of Newport’ in Newport Museum and Art Gallery.
A
selection of these works can be seen on the ‘People’s Collection Wales’: https://www.peoplescollection.wales/collections/408202
Comments
Post a Comment