Artists coming to a 'SHOP' here

A group of Cardiff artists has taken over a shop at Queens Arcade for a week for a special exhibition of their work

Cardiff artist Elys John first approached Queens Arcade centre management several months ago to see whether they had any available space that he and colleagues could use to bring their art to a wider audience in Cardiff.  Elys has exhibited in an old banking hall in Cardiff Bay for the past five years and wanted to bring the art both closer into the City and also to where people are during their ordinary working days.  Hence the idea for the current exhibition ‘SHOP’, running in a vacant store in Queens Arcade until 29^th August.

The artists exhibiting at ‘SHOP’ have all studied an MA in Fine art at University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) and the Centre Manager, Nick Beckett says “Following the popular and artistic success of the ‘I am Art’ project with the public and Rhydian Roberts list year, Queens Arcade Shopping Centre is delighted to be able to bring such exciting contemporary art to the public in this fashion once again.  We are happy to support local artists and their work in such a contemporary and accessible way.”

Elys explains some of the Artists and their work including that of Tom Clulee who is a fashion designer, “The clothes at the front of the shop are quite experimental and have been causing a stir! Some members of the public have found it difficult to work out whether this is a new clothes shop or exhibition which is exciting.  Can you wear the clothes? Yes but you would have to be brave!

“Jan Schabert who is also an architect is showing what is described as a beyond organic insulation material.  This consists of two bricks formed of sheep matter bound with grass.  It has a very interesting smell and the bricks themselves are quite sculptural and attractive.  It is certainly thought provoking!”

Elys himself is also showing some of his digitally contructed artwork at the temporary gallery and other artists are using mixed media, ceramics, drawings, paintings and even performance art.

Elys and Nick are both keen to encourage more artists to use the space and are hoping to bring another exhibition to the Centre in October.  In the meantime the exhibition in ‘SHOP’ continues until Saturday 29^th August on the first floor near the Working Street entrance.