Into the Light / Bert Evans
As one of Y Galeri Caerffili’s most popular artists, Bert Evans regularly exhibits in their group shows. This time he returns for his first solo exhibition in Caerphilly and his latest collection of work is about to be unveiled.
The main driving force for this artist is light, so much so that he describes himself as an impressionist painter. Rather than being interested solely on figures and objects his focus is on how the light renders them and this he says can make the most mundane scenes and subjects interesting. While his focus on the ‘mundane’ is refreshing, forcing us to look again at the everyday, there is nothing contrived about his approach. He paints what he loves but the scenes that catch his eye often differ from those that other artists would dwell on.
“I don’t try to go out of my way to look for subjects that other people don’t paint, it’s just an honest reaction to what I see,” he says. “I use a camera to capture and freeze everyday moments.” Back at the studio, I’ll do a tonal pencil sketch of anything I think is worthwhile pursuing – then I’ll apply that tonal sketch to a painting. It’s never photographic – it’s just an impression in colour.”
His loose approach complemented by a good understanding of colour always attracts a positive reaction from observers. His style at first glance may appear straightforward, but glimpses of his under painting peep through the surface giving the viewer an insight into his painting process. His work is certainly not subtle and understated. In this show, 50 of his bold and unstaged paintings are on display depicting everyday life with people going about their business, often oblivious to the world around them. We see activities on bustling high streets and various places of interest which encompass the general public at work, rest and play.
Bert Evans was born in Port Talbot in 1948 and specialised in painting at Newport College of Art from 1967 – 72. He found the help and advice given by tutors such as Jack Crabtree and Selwyn Jones important to his artistic development. His work is sought after and is in numerous private collections including that of Hollywood actor Michael Sheen, playwright Frank Vickery and actor Boyd Clack.
‘Into the Light’ will be on display at Y Galeri Caerphilly until 23 April. Open 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Saturday.
