ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART

Studio 74, opening early October

Studio 74 Fine Art is an exciting, eclectic art gallery about to join the Bristol art scene, situated at 74 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. It will offer a bold and exciting space with the gallery designed with you in mind, creating a welcoming environment to learn and enjoy about collecting art; whether you are new to the art world or a connoisseur. Its collections range from emerging artists to acclaimed industry names, something to suit everyone’s tastes. Its ethos is to redefine what a gallery can be. In this relaxed space, enjoy a curated mix of intriguing works of art and sculpture.

• Register your interest for Studio 74’s opening event at: studio74contemporaryart.com

Image: Artwork by Uri Dushy

Chew Valley Arts Trail, 8 –9 October from 10am –6pm

If you are planning a weekend in the countryside why not visit the Chew Valley Arts Trail, celebrating its 20th anniversary. There are 17 venues in the villages around the Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes and the historic Stanton Drew Stones, between the A37 and A38 near Bristol Airport. There will be a wide variety of work on display and something for everyone to enjoy.

Browse or buy, chat to the artists and have a fun day out.

• For more information, visit: chewvalleyartstrail.co.uk. Contact Sandy Bell, Organiser, tintinna@aol.com 01275 333 128

Keepers of the Fire, Rainmaker Gallery, until 5 November

This exhibition brings together the work of Jason Wesaw and Douglas Klemm. Both artists are citizens of Pokégnek Bodéwadmik (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians).The Potawatomi Nation is known as the ‘Keepers of The Fire’ amongst the tribes of the Three Fires Confederacy. Both artists express a profound respect for the land. The minimalist drawings of Wesaw are juxtaposed with richly textured landscape paintings by Klemm. Through expanses of carefully chosen colour drawn with oil pastel on incised archival paper, Wesaw describes a deep connection to nature and his ancestral homelands: “My work focuses on observing how nature organises and influences us. The bold colours and simple patterning lend itself to a visual language that comes across more meditative and reflective in the way we feel when seeing a beautiful sunrise or looking out across a vast expanse of mountains. Spirit manifests itself in these sacred places. It is this amazement, this wonder, that is at the heart of our relationship with the natural world and forms the core of our identity as ‘Keepers of the Fire’.” As a landscape artist Klemm is directly inspired by the natural world. He said: “Composition is very important as are the design elements of form, line, color, texture, rhythm, repetition and balance. If I use a photo reference, it must be one I have taken myself. I need to be on-site to experience the energy, details and spirit of the land.” This exhibition calls on us all to be more respectful of the lands that we inhabit.

• rainmakerart.co.uk; 140 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2RS

Image: Grassy Beach Lake Michigan by Douglas Klemm, oil on canvas

Form & Freedom, Andrew Bird and Chris Buck, Clifton Contemporary Art, 15 October –5 November

In the paintings of Andrew Bird and the cast bronze sculptures of Chris Buck, there is an exciting juxtaposition between the spontaneous and structural form. The balance between these forces gives their work impact and presence –revealing more the closer you look. Through Andrew’s layered, potent canvases, you can see the interplay between form and freedom, as he conjures fleeting images or what he calls

‘slices of time’ with immediate, gestural marks and rich, sometimes unexpected colours. Yet always there is a sense of solidity and permanence underneath – like the relationship between ancient rock and fleeting clouds. For Chris, creative freedom and spontaneity are his points of departure. His sculptures are essentially abstract, sometimes inspired by found objects and developed without planning or drawing. Yet beyond the enigmatic titles, patinated textures and polished surfaces, there is always a timeless form, like something shaped by the elements or made in the distant past. You can explore the interplay between form and freedom in these powerful, charismatic works at Clifton Contemporary Art this autumn.

• cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk Image: Elements by Andrew Bird – acrylic on canvas

The West Bristol Arts Trail, at various locations in and around West Bristol, 15 –16 October

Taking place over the weekend of 15 –16 October, the West Bristol Arts Trail will take over 50 homes, studios and large venues and open them to the public. The trail will showcase the work of 116 artists living and working in

Clifton, Clifton Wood, Redland and Hotwells. There is a public preview on 14 October at the Clifton High School from 6.30pm –8pm with the official opening by the current Lord Mayor of Bristol,

Paula O'Rourke. This is a free event open to all so no invitation is needed.

Taking part in the trail are fine artists, photographers, ceramicists, print makers, textile artists, jewellers and sculptors. The trail offers everyone the chance to meet artists in their studios, talk to them about their work and buy directly from them.

• For more information go to westbristolarts.com or pick up an Arts Trial map from many venues around the city

RWA’s 169th Annual Open Exhibition, from 8 October

The RWA’s renowned Annual Open Exhibition will be returning for its 169th year from 8 October with a stunning variety of work from emerging and established artists. This dynamic and varied exhibition will include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation and mixed media and is a showcase of some of the most exciting artists from across the country. All work will be for sale making the Annual Open a perfect opportunity to discover new artistst or invest in well-known names. Located in a spectacular Grade II* listed building in the heart of the city, the RWA is the UK’s only Royal Academy of Art housed in its own, original, purpose-built gallery. The building has recently completed a £4.5m transformation - opening up access for all. It provides opportunities for everybody to get creative and feel inspired. Through its extensive programme of exhibitions, events, workshops, talks and lectures, the RWA is committed to providing great art for everybody, and to promoting the understanding and enjoyment of art for the widest possible audience.

• rwa.org.uk

Image: Still Movement by Matthew Burrows; 2019 Oil on board 180 x 149 cm