An impressive new art exhibition at the Art Central Gallery in Barry is making waves in the international art scene. Titled “At A Loss,” this multimedia art exhibition is the brainchild of Barry’s very own artist, Inga Burrows. It explores the intricate emotions and processes surrounding loss and grief following the death of a loved one. What makes this exhibition truly remarkable is its ability to draw in artists from around the world, resulting in a diverse collection of art pieces that delve into the complexities of human emotion and environmental loss.
The collection on display features artwork from talented artists hailing from various corners of the globe, including Germany, Israel, and Denmark, all collaborating with artists from Wales and England. These artists come together to share their unique perspectives on the profound sense of loss that touches all of humanity in one way or another. While some creations focus on the loss of family members, whether it be parents or children, others reflect on the loss of our natural world.
Cllr Ian Johnson, the Barry Town Mayor, attended the exhibition’s grand opening on Saturday, October 5, and was deeply moved by the pieces on display. He noted, “Many of the artists’ works are about the loss of a family member, whether a parent or a child, but some focused on the loss of our natural world. That means that much of the work is very raw and powerful in its emotion because of the closeness of the artist to the subject.”
The endeavor of bringing together works from sixteen international artists is highly ambitious, as Mayor Johnson acknowledged. He further emphasized the willingness of the artists to discuss and explain their pieces, providing visitors with an opportunity to gain insight into the emotions and experiences that inspired these incredible creations.
Each artist involved in the exhibition has drawn from their personal experiences of loss to create thought-provoking pieces of art. They often used personal mementos, such as clothing, as a starting point, resulting in deeply personal and emotionally charged artwork.
The realization of this ambitious project was made possible through a grant from the Arts Council of Wales, with an additional in-kind contribution from the Vale of Glamorgan Arts Service, demonstrating the value of the arts in fostering dialogue and reflection.
The exhibition’s grand opening was marked by an eloquent speech by Vale Cabinet member, Cllr Rhiannon Birch, setting the tone for the emotionally charged evening. Danish artist Dagmar Radmacher then delivered a moving performance, adding another layer of artistic depth to the event.
The “At A Loss” exhibition will run at the Art Central Gallery until Saturday, January 6, 2024. It’s a rare opportunity to explore the profound emotions of loss and the environment’s fragility through the eyes of talented artists from around the world. The best part is, entry to this remarkable exhibition is entirely free, making it accessible to art enthusiasts and the wider community alike.