The opening reception at the Rye Art Gallery of their latest exhibition “The Art of the Printmaker” was held on Saturday, May 12. It will run until June 19 and showcases some of Britain’s finest contemporary printmakers.
The selling exhibition in Galleries 3, 4, and 5 is complemented by an exhibition of prints in Studio Gallery 6 from the permanent collection, known as the Stormont Collection, and is entitled “Giovanni Piranesi & Sir Frank Short RA, RI, PRE – 18th and 19th-Century Prints from the Collection”.
Contributors to the show include Norman Ackroyd, CBE, RA, Dave McKean , a multi-media illustrator, well-known to many of you, Hazel Brooks, Davida Smith, Will Taylor, Poppy Jones and 12 more, listed on the exhibition flyer. Using a wide variety of print and multi-media options, the exhibition showcases the vivid possibilities these artists bring to their work. There are also examples of ceramic by Annabel Faraday with prints outside and in, lovely and interesting to see.
The show was well staged and presented a feast for the eyes on entering Gallery 3. On the left was a series of prints by Nigel Oxley, entitled “the Muhlberg Suite”, recording a part of two personal war stories. There is an excellent explanatory leaflet about the two Suites that make up the full story.
On the right, a wall of images by Dave McKean, “Animus”, one of which is pictured here, in shades of grey and pink, with an explanation of the processes he uses, on sale framed or unframed or as a complete folio.
Each printmaker’s work is accompanied by a short biography, and around the Galleries are explanations of some of the terms and descriptions of how the work is carried out. Hazel Brooks’ methods and career was one such example, the prints shown here.
It is a thoroughly enjoyable exhibition, with a lot to learn from as well. The opening event was very well attended and a number of works were sold. As the Rye art gallery says: “This is your chance to add a high-quality piece to your collection”. A number of the print images have been included, to highlight the variety and the excellence of the exhibition.
Photos: Gillian Roder