Near and Far/David Hockney 'Grimm's Fairy Tales'
18 July - 5 September 2010
The Royal West of England Academy, Bristol, hosts two main exhibitions this summer. 'Near and Far', an RWA members’ exhibition, explores themes of travel and place. ‘Grimms’ Fairy Tales’ is fantastical etchings by one of the most popular British artists today, David Hockney

Over sixty RWA academicians are exhibiting work for
‘Near and Far’ much of it exclusive showings of new work. From Bristol to Bhutan to distant black holes; territories mapped from memory and imagination; journeys revealed and a sense of place are among the diverse subjects of this broad-ranging show.

‘Near and Far’ will discover familiar places afresh and tour through unfamiliar locations; colourful, exotic and unknown. The exhibition's curator and RWA Academician
Rachael Nee said: “It's exciting to hear that pieces are being made especially for the exhibition, I'm anticipating some surprises.”

Other RWA events associated with Near and Far include
‘Grand Day Out’, a drawing tour of Bristol on an open top bus, 30 July, sponsored by Steppes Travel. 'Near and Far' is sponsored by Steppes Travel, Pegasus Art Supplies and The Map Shop.

George Tute 'Bhutanese Landscape' Oil on canvas. 90cm x 50cm
David Hockney'The boy hidden in a fish' Etching in Black 24.2 x 26.8cm

In
‘Grimms’ Fairy Tales', David Hockney has given each story his own interpretation. Rather than illustrating the tales literally, he has chosen vivid images to encapsulate a mood or detail. Some of the tales are familiar, like Rapunzel and Rumpelstilzchen; others, such as Old Rinkrank, Fundevogel and the Little Sea Hare are little known.

His contemporary and often humorous approach to the tales is reflected in the quirky nature of the images. Of Rapunzel he says "...the stories really are quite mad, when you think of it, and quite strange."

The 39 etchings were drawn directly onto copper plates by Hockney between May and November 1969.

Born in Bradford in 1937, Hockney is one of the most popular British artists today. Major exhibitions of his work have been held all over the world. His work has included stage designs, photography and every kind of graphic medium. 'David Hockney: Grimms’ Fairy Tales' is a Hayward Touring exhibition from Southbank Centre, London on behalf of Arts Council England.

Both shows are exhibited 18 July - 5 September at Royal West of England Academy, Bristol, open seven days a week. Associated events include exhibition tours, painting and printmaking workshops and lectures.


images (main, top) left : David Hockney, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair!' From Illustrations for Six Fairy Tales from The Brothers Grimm (1969) Etching in Black, 10 1/2 X 10"
(top) right : Ann Christopher, 'The Power of Place - 20', Unique mixed media assemblage, 38 x 39.5 cm

Kindly sponsored by Pegasus Art,
Steppes Travel
and The Map Shop
Visit the Pegasus Art website...
Visit the Steppes Travel website... Visit the Map Shop website...
      

Events linked to this exhibition.
Press release for this exhibition.


RWA Opening Times
10:00 - 5:30pm Monday - Saturday
2:00 - 5:00pm Sunday
Last admission half an hour before closing
 

Admission :
£4.00
Concession :
£2.50
Children :
Free