Aberglasney Gardens’ artist in residence, internationally renowned painter, Andrew Douglas-Forbes, is collaborating with artist Jeweller, Carol K Gwizdak, for an unique exhibition later this month ‘Patrwm Cymru/Welsh Pattern’.
The exhibition runs from 24 July until 2 August, and is inspired by the diaper pattern found in the Cloister Garden, which is widely considered to be Aberglasney’s “most extraordinary and legendary feature”. It is believed that the Cloister Garden originates from Bishop Rudd’s time at Aberglasney during the 1600s and the parapet walkway is the only known surviving structure of its kind left in the UK.
Andrew Douglas-Forbes said, “Artist in residence is an onerous job, full of honour but laden with looking, thinking about the gardens. I took it that I should look harder at things that people pass by. Things that are in plain sight, as an artist we are seeing things with scrutiny always, working things out, noticing things, simplifying things. Carol and I have known each other for years, we talk the same talk, discuss things for hours, looking at the finer detail of nature, environment. Bringing Carol in to collaborate seemed the most natural thing to do.”
Andrew studied under Patricia Briggs at Swansea College of Art. He subsequently received guidance from Gordon Stuart, known for his portrait of Dylan Thomas and dramatic landscapes where forms emerge from light. Beyond his artistic talents, Andrew is a scholar of the Royal Academy of Music and a professional tenor who lived in Tuscany for several years to pursue an opera career.
Upon returning to Wales, Andrew coincidently was invited to a ball at Aberglasney when it was still in ruins, which he recalls as ‘enchanting’. Since the end of the 1990s, his relationship with the main hall has deepened as the space itself has evolved. Understanding Andrew’s unique vision as an antique specialist, artist and operatic tenor is crucial to appreciating his work.
Helen Scutt, Aberglasney Gardens Director, said, “This exhibition will be a fitting tribute to Andrew, as he is a long-time supporter of Aberglasney. I’m thoroughly looking forward to seeing Andrew and Carol’s show which will give a new perspective and interpretation of Aberglasney’s unique features.”
Carol K Gwizdak is an artist jeweller whose work has always drawn on the visual and conceptual language of the natural world, often reinstating nature in its purist form, as the most precious of all commodities. She was awarded the National Eisteddfod Gold Medal for Craft and Design in 2006. For this show, Carol’s work has adopted an archival approach, exploring the potential of the poetics of space that Aberglasney has to offer.
Andrew and Carol extend a warm invitation to the exhibition preview evening in the mansion on Friday, 24 July from 5.30pm until 8pm. Attendance to the preview event is free of charge.
