David Armitage: Art & Soul at Falmer
Jean Clark gives the lowdown on Artwave’s Falmer exhibitions
With over 400 artists and makers exhibiting their work in galleries, studios, shops and open houses, there is something for everyone during Artwave. And although the majority of venues are in Lewes, there are numerous locations within easy reach that are well worth a visit.
One of the most popular fringe events is Art & Soul in the picturesque village of Falmer where, in the shadow of the Amex stadium and next to the duck pond, 18 talented artists are exhibiting their work in the village hall and the historic St Laurence Church. Curator and collage artist, Sue Barnes, believes it’s such a favourite with the public because, “Many people are nervous about going into fancy galleries, but they feel comfortable here and enjoy looking at art in a welcoming environment.”
Many people are nervous about going into fancy galleries, but they feel comfortable here
Internationally-renowned painter David Armitage, agrees: “The beauty of these exhibitions is the wonderful, eclectic mix of styles and art forms. Different people, different artists, different ideas – it’s great. I love it!”
David’s latest collection of paintings was unveiled at Falmer last weekend: Terra Australis is a series of vibrant, evocatively-titled canvases, whose colours are informed by the land, ocean, coastline and natural phenomena of Western Australia and his homeland of Tasmania. And his lifelong fascination with places of pilgrimage and worship made St Laurence Church the perfect setting for two massive works, Cathédrale and Shrine with Flowers, further confirming his reputation as one of the most original, exciting and inspirational abstract colourists of his generation.
There’ll be an opportunity to meet David and see more of his work during the Chiddingly Festival, when he welcomes the public to his studio as part of CAOS (Chiddingly Artists’ Open Studios) on the weekends of Sep 24/25 and 1/2 Oct. He will be joined in the Quadrangle, East Hoathly by 20 other talented artists and his wife, Ronda Armitage, author of the globally-successful Lighthouse Keeper series of books, illustrated by David, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. Also in February 2017 David has a major retrospective, SPECTRUM at the Birley Centre, Eastbourne.
Art & Soul at Falmer open this weekend Fri 26 – Mon 29 Aug and 2-4 Sep (11am -5pm) with free parking and wheelchair access. Enjoy a cup of tea and delicious homemade cakes while enjoying the art in the village hall. Visitors are most welcome to participate in the family-friendly church service each Sunday at 10am.
