"VIVID" is a ground-breaking exhibition that brings together the work of five contemporary artists, exploring the vivid depths of their individual creative expressions. Through a variety of mediums, these artists challenge conventional boundaries, creating visual experiences that are bold, dynamic and deeply personal.
Each of the featured artists has a unique approach to their craft, but all share a commitment to pushing the limits of their respective fields. Whether capturing the pulse of urban life, exploring the complexities of identity or delving into the interplay of colour and emotion, each piece within "Vivid" ignites conversation and reflection.
At its core, "VIVID" is an invitation to embrace the spectrum of the contemporary world. The exhibition’s diverse range of voices and perspectives offers an engaging exploration of what it means to live and create in a time where art reflects the complexities of our ever-evolving global society.
Together, these artists create an electrifying atmosphere that celebrates the power of individuality while honouring the connections between their shared commitment to creativity. "VIVID" is not just an exhibition—it is a vivid statement on the boundless possibilities of art in the modern age.
Artists
Sam Waters - Artist – ‘Abstract experimentation is at the heart of my process. My urban inspired paintings develop intuitively, building up textures that echo the history of industrial spaces. Using different tools to create layered textures and bold marks and sanding or scratching through surfaces to reveal what’s beneath. I balance grungy tones with touches of teal and gold for a pop of colour and depth’.
Paul Cottrell – Artist – ‘The central theme in my work is the concept of the ‘Homo Stratum’ or the layers of man, and how their asynchronic nature creates challenges for our collective well-being as human souls. My style explores this by incorporating a wide juxtaposition of techniques, from traditional realism to modern abstraction, to better express the physical and the metaphysical layers of our human experience’.
Barbara Whitbourn – Artist - ‘My work explores the intricate relationship between memory, identity, and individualism, based on exploration of personal history and collective consciousness and using mixed media and abstract figurative expressionism. My artistic process involves transparent layers of bold colour and collage with dynamic compositions, allowing intuition to develop the painting organically. By using visual language and expressive mark making, I aim to capture the transient nature of human experience and the complexity of individual identity, allowing the viewer to connect with my pieces and find their own narratives within them’.
Sue Colyer – Artist - ‘My work focuses on freedom of expression and emotional connections recalling intuitive and emotional response to a place rather than a realistic interpretation. Harnessing memories, feelings and nature itself are the key inspirations for my art. When a connection is made between the viewer and the image, the magic happens. In particular, how they can be used to inspire and enable a freedom to create a piece of work that really resonates with others’.
Jan Griffiths – Ceramicist – ‘My primitive clay pieces are mostly made from reclaimed and found materials, fired using local organics such as seaweed, leaves and horsehair producing soft naturally coloured surfaces that are so tactile to touch. Although these techniques are as old as the hills, I like to add a contemporary twist by incorporating modern mesh and wire or recycled glass as a vivid contrast to the gentle colours whilst aiming to keep the calmness I desire’.
