Artist: Grwp Cil Tess

Tutor Statement

The work on exhibit here has been created by students who regularly attend The Centre for Independent Living (De Gwynedd) in Porthmadog.

The centre has facilities that are required to hold classes for people with disabilities, and together with Coleg Harlech and Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, various courses are available for the students, one of which is an OCN Art course provided by Coleg Harlech - the results of which are on show here.

The selected pieces of work on display have been created over the last twelve months and have been influenced by different themes.

The large townscapes are snapshots of the two different towns that the students reside in, Pwllheli and Porthmadog. They were made by re-using empty cardboard boxes, collaging them onto MDF board and finally adding colourful layers of paint. Each student has added their own personal touch to the work, and for the very sharp eyed amongst you, you may be able to spot a photograph of the artist on each picture!

The other more abstract pieces on display are works inspired by the American Pop Artist, Jean Michel Basquiat. For those of you who are unfamiliar with him and his work, he was a cardboard box inhabiting graffiti artist living in 1980’s New York. Andy Warhol was a great friend of his, although Basquiat hasn’t quite got the kudos of Mr Warhol I personally believe he was an equally fine artist.

The students have used his paintings as an inspiration to form their own very personal responses experimenting with different processes and materials that include mono-printing and collage.

I am very proud of, and inspired by, my students. To complete these pieces of art they have had to face and overcome huge obstacles and they have done so with a willingness and a fun loving attitude that I can only thank them for. I hope you enjoy the results of their efforts and can appreciate their sense of humour and hard work!

Therese Urbanska