by
Rob Jones
Cardiff MADE gallery
41 Lochaber ST., Roath Cardiff CF24 3LS
Presents: ‘Rhondda World’ by Tonypandy artist James Green
The exhibition runs from: Friday February 12 to Friday, March 5
There is a private view on: Thursday, February 11, 6-9pm
‘Rhondda World’ presents an extensive range of the work of Rhondda artist James Green, an inspiring figure within Cardiff’s Art Scene. This will be the first time that his collage series ‘A Day in the Life of…’, and ‘History of The Rhondda’ will be shown in their entirety, numbering over 5,000 pieces. The exhibition will also feature a new series of masks; ‘The World Masks of The Rhondda’.
An enthusiast of imagery from other cultures which merge populist iconography with mystical reach, his work is personal and poignant, and very human. Modern reliquaries which contain plastic everyday objects connect the viewer to the artist’s quest metaphorically and intimately.
Much of the work in this exhibition is informed by a love for international travel and adventure, and the richness of different visual cultures encountered while away from his current Splott base.
The urge to travel to distant lands took root in the artist’s childhood growing up in The Rhondda Valleys, where the mountains and forests offered endless opportunities to get lost and encounter the unexpected. This exhibition pays tribute to The Rhondda, a place not known for mask making, and to the mask makers around the world.
As well as the exhibition which comprises 10 years of collages, one done every day and painted ceramic masks, simultaneously reflecting the cultures of places he has visited whilst reflecting his own interior world, he will be presenting free workshops on mask making and collage.
There will also be a gallery talk by James and he will declare his influences Details below:
Thursday, February 25. 7.30-9.30pm
Gallery talk with artist James Green about his exhibition Rhondda World
Saturday, February 20, 1.30-4.30pm
Mask making workshop with artist James Green, Free event
Saturday, February 27, 1.30 – 4pm
Collage making workshop with Artist James Green, Free event
All of the above events are at Cardiff MADE gallery, CF24 3LS
