‘A Celebration of Chinese Brush Painting’ by Art Bamboo Gwyrdd in Cynon Valley Museum
This February the Museum is showcasing the following two exhibitions:
Lower Gallery (6 th -23 rd February 2024)
‘Hues of History: A Tapestry Voyage Beyond the Warp’ by Bridget Aboussafy in the
Mezzanine Gallery, (February 3 rd -29 th 2024)
Aberdare – February 2024 – This month Cynon Valley Museum are showcasing two
wonderful art exhibitions open to the public. More information below:
Art Bamboo Gwrydd
Karen Jones, one of the artists in Art Bamboo Gwrydd explains, “Through this
exhibition, Art Bambw Gwyrdd wants to create an oasis of tranquility, in which the paintings
aim to be calming, and express the harmony of nature, with meaning and ‘chi’ (energy)”.
Whilst Chinese Brush Painting originated about two thousand years ago, Karen and
Sue, who exhibit as Art Bambw Gwyrdd, have developed their individual styles over the past
twenty years, and this will be seen from the variety of paintings on display.
Art Bambw Gwyrdd was founded a few years ago by Karen and Sue, and regularly
exhibits to share this special art form with others. In all they have six members, some of
whom will be showing their Chinese Brush paintings for the first time. Another member,
John Henry, who has a special interest in Japanese Art is exhibiting a number of his pen and
ink illustrations.
Karen says “We are very much looking forward to our first exhibition in the Cynon
Valley Museum, and feel that the general atmosphere within the Gallery will certainly
complement our art”.
Art Bamboo Gwrdd are holding an artist demonstration in the Lower Gallery on
Thursday 8 th February 2024. Free entry.
Bridget Aboussafy
Bridget Aboussafy is a Canadian born, Indigenous mixed media artist. Her work is
inspired by Canadian landscapes, flora & fauna, and World History tempered by an avid
interest in Science Fiction and Fantasy genres in film, literature, and music.
The Hues of History exhibition is an exploration into the stylistic designs around tapestries
from the 11th century, beginning with the Bayeux Tapestry, then onwards into the later
Renaissance period while looking at how those elements can be adapted into fresh usage
today. Works in the collection are mixed media prints utilizing textures from the fibre arts of
embroidery and quilting, sketch work, watercolour and acrylic.
Themes in this exhibition begin with the demonstration of a few traditional styled
works with daily life subject matter that tapestries from this period typically displayed. Then
working into contemporary historical events, people, daily activities and items into works
with similar historical echoes.
Bridget is holding two workshops to support her exhibition which are both free to
attend (please contact the Museum to book):
‘Art Sketching Using Historical Elements’ 12.00-2.00pm, Saturday 10 th February
‘How to Market Your Art’ 1.00 – 2.30pm, Friday 23 rd February
Cynon Valley Museum Opening Times
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 9.30am-3.30pm
