I have just returned from the Royal West of England Academy of Art, in Bristol, where the 163d Open Exhibition opened. This huge exhibition (nearly 600 works selected from 2500 entries) will open to the public tomorrow, Sunday 4 October.
It is, as always, a lot to take in, but in a good way. There are so many works to see that it is hard to appreciate them all in one visit. This wonderful exhibition really needs to be seen on different occassions.The works are very varied, ranging from the highly realistic to impressionist and abstract. There is always a wonderful amount of sculpture and drawing on show as well. There are famous artists and lesser known ones all hanging happily together. Look out for Rosalind Robinson, Tom Hughes, Alan Kingsbury, Robert Neil (BP Portrait Award show in 2014), Richard Twose, (BP Portrait Award 2014 2d prize winner) Felicity House, Kurt Jackson, Ken Howard, David Parfitt, Lisa Wright, Toni Cogdell, Malcolm Ashman and Sarah Gillespie amongst many, many others.
I went to the ‘varnishing lunch’ – for artists only – to catch up with fellow artists and have a look around. By no means have I seen the whole show. I must and will go back to have a better and longer look. But here are some pictures of my first impressions. I will add more photos in the future once I have visited again.
My pastel painting ‘Two Cushions’ had a lovely spot on the wall of the gallery.
It a show well worth visiting!
Royal West of England Academy
163d Open Exhibition
4 October – 29 November
Entry £5 (conc. available)
Open 7 days a week
Queens Road, Clifton
Bristol