THIS year’s Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) exhibition is from August 3-31 at Wells Cathedral and is available to visit with ticket admission to the Cathedral.
It includes an Installation Show of site-specific works located throughout the Cathedral alongside a Gallery Show of artworks across painting, sculpture, print, photography, drawing and more, displayed in a specially created white-wall gallery in the Cathedral’s Cloisters. The Gallery Show attracted almost 2,500 submissions from around the globe which have been distilled into a shortlist of 121 artworks.
“We have been delighted by not only the number of entries into this year’s open art competition, but also the calibre of work,” said Paddy O’Hagan, Chair of WAC. “It’s an exhibition which you would normally expect to travel some distance to a large city to enjoy.”
Submissions came from 31 countries but, a little closer to home, Jane Manning from Wells was delighted to have her artwork selected.
“This was the first time I have entered WAC,” Jane said. “And I feel privileged to be part of this prestigious exhibition held in such a special place.”
Her work entitled Stones & Shapes Wells Cathedral Seen From Inside Wells Museum is a striking graphite drawing.
“It seemed apt,” she said. “It’s an interpretation in flat pattern design of a seldom seen view of the North and West Fronts, glimpsed from an upper floor of the museum opposite.”
Meanwhile, the Installation Show comprises 19 site-specific artworks selected from almost 300 entries. As the first English cathedral to be designed in the revolutionary new Gothic style of architecture in the 12th century, Wells Cathedral has always been recognised for pushing boundaries.
“These 19 installations stand as responses to the architectural, spatial and spiritual aspects of Wells Cathedral, allowing visitors to see the majestic medieval building with new eyes,” said Paddy.
Visitors are reminded to vote for their favourite piece. Amongst the numerous prizes to be awarded for outstanding works is the People’s Choice Prize: £500 awarded to one artist selected by visitors to the exhibition.
For those who are unable to visit the Cathedral in person, there will also be a virtual exhibition available to view at www.wellsartcontemporary.co.uk
• Picture: Jane Manning in her studio, and her drawing Stones & Shapes Wells Cathedral Seen From Inside Wells Museum