If you’re going to relaunch your gallery in an iconic Rye building, bringing in artwork of the most (in)famous man in the world makes perfect sense. It also helps if the creative responsible for the piece of art has an award-winning track record in the UK and Hollywood.
Wendy Bowker moved her W Gallery from Lion Street to Strand House in May and since then has been overwhelmed by the attention, all thanks to the sculpture of former President of the USA Donald Trump. “It’s right in the window so people see it, take a second look, and come inside for a selfie. I should have charged! We’ve had so many people through the door wanting a closer look, I’m exhausted.”
Last week Donald Trump was found guilty of fraud by a New York jury. Ideal timing says Wendy Bowker. “You couldn’t make it up. Everyone who comes in tells me what they think of him, proving that all politicians are divisive. I’ve lost count of the people who think he will be re-elected in November.”
It’s an eye-catching piece of work made from silicon and fibre glass by John Humphreys who has a studio at Normans Bay near Bexhill. His work has appeared in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Dr Who.” He also created the Alien in “Alien Autopsy” and Max Headroom. He says reaction to his sculpture of Trump has been fascinating. “People find it a bit surreal, shocking even. It’s a distorted view in three dimensions that confuses. You think you know what he looks like and then you’re confronted by a different view”.
Another of John’s artworks is also on display. Using the same technique he has modelled Queen Elizabeth II, using AI to bring the sculpture to life and to speak. This QR code takes you to a page on John’s Instagram feed and a recording of the late Queen welcoming visitors to W Gallery.
For Wendy Bowker, the new gallery is a chance to do things differently. “It’s a bigger space so I can showcase bigger art. I’m doing something different and not compromising on whose work I show, but I also want to use the space better for interesting talks and bringing people together.”
Image Credits: James Stewart .