Previous Exhibition: Land and Sea featuring Clarke Avery

The Bingley Gallery’s next exhibition features Leeds-born artist Clarke Avery. Painting in a range of media including oils, acrylic and texture gel, Clarke conjures up atmospheric and often dramatic scenes. It’s something that interacts directly with the on-looker’s emotions. There’s a historical element too, perhaps inspired by Clarke’s studies in Archaeological Scienceat the University of Bradford: The nineteenth century schooners, caught in storms or becalmed against fiery sunsets; Viking longships emerging from mist amongst icy landscapes; ruined castles on headland and the wolves and ravens of Norse mythology. In Clarke’s own words the style of painting is “experimental with expressive brushstrokes, strong colours and textures” There’s a high degree of abstraction within the landscapes, contrasting with the detail of the focal subject matter. There’s something reminiscent of John Martin’s early nineteenth apocalyptic artwork, with humanity dwarfed by the forces of nature. Clarkes paintings will be accompanied in the show by a range of 3D art by other artists from the region including free-form ceramics from Nettleton Pottery, which combine gorgeous, deeply glazed, internal colour with exteriors impressed with the texture of family heirloom textiles, Mandy Long’s dynamic figurative sculptures and StatorArt’s remarkably beautiful creations made from reclaimed electric motors.

The exhibition is part of a changing rotation of shows at the Bingley Gallery, which also houses work showcasing the talents of a wide range of locally based artists, including former owner, Jane Fielder and long-term gallery assistant Amy Charlesworth, within its surprisingly spacious two stories of exhibition space. By chance, gallery owner, and artist in residence, David Starley is also a former archaeologist, turned painter. “I make no qualms about choosing art for the Bingley Gallery that I like personally. Perhaps there’s something in our shared background that appeals to me in Clarke’s work. Although a relative newcomer to the field, her passion for painting comes through in the finished work”