Iwan Bala (centre) at the opening of "Syniadau"

On Friday the 19th of July 2002 I popped along to the opening of "Syniadau" - a new exhibition of work by Iwan Bala at the Washington Gallery in Penarth, Cardiff. The exhibition was opened by Professor ony Curtis (Professor of Poetry at the University of Glamorgan).

I don't really know what I expected to see. I have, perhaps, become accustomed to his style and content over the last few years, but this exhibition is in many ways a departure from his political stance. Yes, it's true to say that Iwan Bala will always be recognised as a political artist, but this exhibition, I feel, brings out the best in him.

His interpretations of Ceri Richards' drawings, many based upon those used to illustrate "The Collected poems of Dylan Thomas", are splendid and exhibit a sophistication of technique and an ability to construct involved compositions. Bala fills his work with metaphor and I found myself drawn to the images, constantly struggling to understand the code. Whether you are familiar with Bala's visual language or not the work entices and dares the viewer to enter this unique world. The political content is still there, but now I feel the drawings are stronger and exceptionally well executed. Economy of line is balanced by depth of content and I Ieft the show after about an hour having thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Iwan Bala, along with other members of the "Ysbrid" group will be exhibiting their responses to the work of Ceri Richards in the National museum and Gallery in Cardiff in September. If this is an insight to the quality of work to be displayed then that too will be a show you shouldn't miss.
(Ed)

The exhibition was opened by Professor Tony Curtis (Professor of Poetry at the University of Glamorgan)

Please feel free to contact us at: artcymru@welshartsarchive.org.uk with your suggestions and comments.

A good attendance for the opening.

Read more about the work of Iwan Bala by visiting his Gallery Pages within Artcymru.co.uk

Professor Tony Curtis talking about Bala's work

Some Facts about the Artist

Winner of the National Eisteddfod Gold Medal for Art 1997

Recipient of the Owain Glyndwr Award for contribution to the arts in Wales, 1998.

Iwan Bala a number of books on art in Wales - read his article:

THE WEALTH OF THE WORLD..... FIELD NOTES FOR REINVENTION.
CYFOETH Y BYD…..
NODIADAU MAES AR GYFER AIL-DDYFEISIO