A first for French artist

Mostyn in Llandudno has secured a first for the UK with an exhibition by French artist Diane Dal-Pra, who has produced new work for the show

Mostyn is proud to present ‘Dissolutions’, the first solo UK institutional exhibition by French artist Diane Dal-Pra, an ascending star of contemporary painting.

Paris-based Dal-Pra’s painting seduces and disquiets the viewer with its ambiguous composition and detailing. The central theme is the duality of our relationship with possessions. Rituals and superstitions around objects give a sense of stability and permanence, and in turn the objects we own engulf us and our identities as well as being a source of comfort.

For the exhibition at Mostyn, Dal-Pra has produced new large-scale oil paintings on canvas that stress even more the tension between bodies and objects, adopting a dramatic composition yet managing to achieve a balance between the overall atmosphere of the work and her treatment of details.

Tension and balance

In this new body of work, Dal-Pra questions the nature of the relationships we maintain with the inanimate objects we collect over the course of our lives. Often seeing these commodities as a sort of armour to get us through life, she underlines a dual purpose of our possessions: the capacity to erase or engulf us, and at the same time to strongly define our identities. The exhibition presents a series of paintings that are at once detailed, ambiguous and mesmerising. Often associated with layers of intimacy and even voyeurism, Dal-Pra’s psychological assemblages reveal details of objects, situations and bodies in a precarious balance of recollections and imagination.

Atmosphere of disquiet

“We cannot know where one finishes and the other begins,” said the artist, “and by standing in front of the works we move through a landscape of silent remnants, solitary moments and a disquieting, muffled atmosphere.” be commissioned from artist Gabrielle Dudley. Weekly classes in pottery and painting are taught in the studio to adults of all abilities, providing a lovely social group as well as improving your skills. There is also an art materials shop on site. For prior bookings and parties, a tea van is available supplying tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks.

Isdyfiant / Undergrowth, Mostyn, Llandudno. Until late summer.

Dal-Pra was awarded a Laureate prize in spring 2019 as artist-inresidence at Palazzo Monti, Italy. There she met fellow Laureate Oren Pinhassi, who is exhibiting at Mostyn at the same time – a result of Dal-Pra’s recommendation to the curatorial team. The gesture emphasises the importance of peer review and mutual appreciation of work amongst a new generation of artists.

‘Dissolutions’ is at Mostyn until 7th October.

Gabrielle’s Gallery is easily accessed from the A486 between Llandysul and New Quay, north of Ffostrasol, and the old playground provides off-road parking. www.gabriellesgallery.com

There’s plenty for the naturally curious in the programme of free events taking place this summer as part of Mostyn’s latest project around creative wellbeing. From making wearable sensory sculptures to crafting mini monsters to soothe daily worries, there’s a chance to get hands-on with artists and makers. Mostyn will also be the starting point for a number of walks and trips, soaking up the landscapes of Anglesey, the Gwydir Forest and the Orme. For details and free tickets see www.mostyn.org

‘Flower Fairies’, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Wirral. Until 23rd November.

Marking the centenary of Cicely Mary Barker’s first book, Flower Fairies of the Spring this exhibition features around 45 of her original illustrations, with digital projections and costumes inspired by the fairies, designed by Vin Burnham. Explore the inspirations behind Barker’s much-loved paintings, as well as the flora and fauna depicted in her work, thanks to National Museum Liverpool’s botanical collections.

The artist made 170 exquisite drawings accurately capturing the natural world around her, introducing fairy figures to accompany the di erent species – often based on real children from her sister’s nursery.

The Artists Collective, The Rose Paterson Gallery, Weston Park, Shropshire. 1st-28th September.

Weston Park welcomes the return of The Artists Collective for their exhibition at the Rose Paterson Gallery. Bernard Finnemore, Ingrid Wagner, Jan Jones, Joan Chatterton, John Bullock, Julie Timmis, Lesley Howse, Mary Dennis, Paul Holmes and Sue Chatterton explore a wide range of subject matter through a variety of mediums, making for a lively exhibition which promises something for all interests. All of the artworks are for sale. The gallery is open daily 11am-4pm. Free entry.

Prif Oriel Gelf ac Amgueddfa Ynys Môn / Anglesey’s Premier Art Gallery and Museum

GalerÏau Celf - Amgueddfa -Siop-Caffi/ Art Galleries- Museum-Shop-Cafe

Ar agor Dydd Mawrth i Ddydd Sul/ Open Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am-5.00pm

Mynediad am ddim / Admission Free

Oriel Môn, Llangefni, Ynys Mon, LL77 7TQ/ 01248 724444 orielmon@ynysmon.llyw.cymru / www.orielmon.org