Where better to start than the Huddersfield Art Gallery, promising artworks by legendary names such as Francis Bacon to the local talented artists capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
The first room I entered held some very impressive works by the local talent. In the first exhibition I viewed, 'Gallery 6: Yorkshire Makers', I was impressed by the diverse range of artworks. From painting to jewellery, it definitely made me proud to be from Yorkshire, especially as a fellow creative.
Ross Moore's beautiful landscapes really capture the true essence of the Holme Valley in Yorkshire, Europe and Africa. Inks and dyes provide striking vibrancy helping Moore find a balance between reality and expression. These encaptivating works are sure to grab the attention of any viewer, tones and detail which cannot be ignored.
Another artist to capture my attention was David Froggatt. Working in watercolour, the artist transforms his subjects into wonderful geometric forms. Careful lines and shapes are colour blocked to bring an original quality to intriguing yet simple scenes.
Continuing the geometric theme, the next exhibition held a variety of permanent artworks based upon perspective. This included Anthony Hill and Mary Martin's abstract pieces where simplistic shapes are used to challenge the viewer to a new perspective. Heavy notions of Constructivism are seen within both works through the use of geometric shapes, order and contemporary use of materials. The next exhibition has to be my personal favourite. Immediately when I walked into the room I was enthralled by the beauty of Claire Louise Mather's pieces which reflect the simplistic charm of nature at its best. Using mixed media, textiles and machine embroidery, Mather was able to portray the softness and details in the landscapes.
Furthermore, Jenny Thomas' excellent use of printmaking made for some spectacular pieces displayed in the exhibition. Drawing upon nature for inspiration, Thomas reinvents the landscape in abstract form. The tones used in each piece reflect on the atmosphere in every scene. There is still a sense of mystery in the artist's prints; only a partial frame is given to the viewer which tempts them further into the natural composition.
Lastly, the 'Thought Positions in Sculpture' exhibition displayed some interesting and contemporary works. This included some visually fun pieces by Jill Townsley involving a lot of nail varnish, and some delicate drawings by Juliet MacDonald. Unlike some of the artworks previously seen, these were particularly thought-provoking as they responded to various archives.
And there you have it, my journey through Huddersfield Art Gallery. The first of 2016 and many more to come.
Thanks for reading,
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