Brighton’s Arty: another win for the seagulls

Pondering what to write about this week, I was having trouble concentrating because of the incessant squawking coming from the North Laine Resident Seagulls Association. So I give up. They win. I’ve just had a flick through this year’s Brighton’s Artists book, and thought it would be fun to consider how the ubiquitous wretches infiltrate local creative consciousnesses far greater than my own.

Take ‘But for the Grace…’ by Richard Denne. It’s a bold, graphic expression infused with wry wit, as the artist experiments within the collage tradition. Richard integrates emerging digital print processes, such as photopolymer etching, with traditional processes to create irresistible mixed media artworks. And in four years that we’ve had the delight of knowing him, his irrepressible innovation never fails to surprise and impress.

Jessica Barrah’s ‘Gulls! Gulls! Gulls!’ demonstrates the quirky humour and bright but harmonious palette that are the hallmarks of this mainly self-taught artist. It’s from her current Animal Alphabet series of acrylic and mixed media canvases, which is taking Jessica in a new, more naturalistic direction than her previous digitally based work.

Interpreting a different medium altogether, how wonderful is the spruce ‘West Pier and Gull’ by Angela Newman? Photographer and artist Angela creates her striking woodblocks by transferring her own images – by hand – onto locally sourced, reclaimed wood of all types, shapes and sizes.

Last chance: Head to The Round Georges, Kemptown, to see the work of Brighton-based stencil artist Martin Aniscombe, who creates images of iconic people and bespoke portraits at affordable prices. 20% of all works sold will be donated to The Rockinghorse Foundation.