Barnsley Civic
GALLERY
Explore the vibrant world of Georgia O'Keeffe
Explore the vibrant world of Georgia O’Keeffe and Ailish Treanor at Barnsley Civic
Discover a journey through creativity and vision at Barnsley Civic’s latest exhibition featuring the works of Barnsley-based artist Ailish Treanor and Georgia O’Keeffe. Running from 15 September to 18 January 2025, this remarkable showcase celebrates the unique perspectives of two artists.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic representations of nature and landscapes offer a contemplative exploration of beauty and simplicity. Her mastery of form and detail invites visitors to delve into the essence of her subjects, from delicate flowers to sweeping desert vistas.
In juxtaposition, Ailish, known for her dynamic abstract compositions, invites viewers into a world of vibrant energy and emotion. Inspired by Barnsley’s local landscape and the recent revitalisation of Eldon Street, Ailish bridges Barnsley’s architectural past with contemporary artistry.
This exhibition not only highlights the distinct styles of these two artists but also celebrates their shared commitment to pushing artistic boundaries as women and inspiring viewers. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious about exploring new perspectives, join us at Barnsley Civic to experience the richness and diversity of Ailish Treanor’s and Georgia O’Keeffe’s artistry.
Plan your visit today to immerse yourself in this extraordinary exhibition that promises to ignite your imagination and leave a lasting impression.
Georgia O’Keeffe: Memories of Drawings
Explore a remarkable collection of work by the pioneering American artist Georgia O’Keeffe at Barnsley Civic. This exhibition features 21 photogravures of drawings created by O’Keeffe between 1915-1963.
Renowned for her distinctive blend of abstraction and figuration, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) remains one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Her iconic depictions of organic forms such as flowers and bones, surreal abstractions, rural landscapes, and urban cityscapes broke new ground for women artists, capturing the essence of her environment with unparalleled clarity.
Although primarily known as a painter, drawing played a pivotal role in O’Keeffe’s artistic expression. She used drawing as a language to convey pivotal moments and emotions, from the delicate curve of a flower petal to the vastness of a desert horizon or the intricate details of natural forms.
This exhibition showcases O’Keeffe’s distinctive style and explores the key themes and motifs in her practice. It includes nine prints of her earliest charcoal abstracts, as well as works originally executed in pencil and watercolour. These pieces capture a range of subjects, from intimate moments shared with her sister to surreal still lifes featuring seashells, banana flowers, and animal horns.
Accompanying the drawings are excerpts from O’Keeffe’s own commentary, offering insight into her artistic process and the inspirations behind her work.
This exhibition invites you to delve into the world of Georgia O’Keeffe, where each drawing tells a story of vision, emotion, and artistic innovation.
Explore Ailish Treanor’s dynamic art at Barnsley Civic
Join us as we proudly host an exhibition by local artist Ailish Treanor, opening on September 14, 2024, coinciding with the grand reopening of our Eldon Street entrance.
Ailish Treanor, celebrated for her innovative sculptures, paintings, and installations, will unveil a new collection developed during her residency at Barnsley Civic. Known for projects like “Tableau Retro” at 87 Gallery in Hull and the “Kissing Gate” sculpture for Barnsley Council’s Love Barnsley Festival, Ailish has been exploring new techniques, including Trompe-l’oeil, to create captivating visual illusions.
Inspired by Barnsley’s local landscape and the recent revitalisation of Eldon Street, Ailish integrates elements from restored marble shop facades into her work, bridging Barnsley’s architectural past with contemporary artistry.
Visitors can expect to be immersed in a transformative environment where sculptures and installations redefine space and perception.
The exhibition looks at how we experience art as part of a lineage, rather than singular artistic ideas coming from one artist or ego. The work will explore a collectivist, non-hierarchical approach to art making, where many methods, materials and styles exist together, drawing on elements from different art historical periods and oscillating between fine art and design.
A day in the life of Georgia O’Keeffe – Sat 21 September 10am – 1pm
Live a day in Georgia O’Keeffe’s life in the New Mexico desert, here in Barnsley! Get to know more about the beloved artist by taking part in the artistic activities that were part of her daily routine. Materials provided. All skill levels welcome.
Book online here . £13.50
Artist and curator exhibition tour – Sat 12 Oct, 2pm -3pm
Join curator Elizabeth Dickinson and artist Ailish Treanor in the Gallery for a tour of the exhibitions.
Book online here. Free
Sip and Sketch- Thurs 24th Oct, 7-9pm
Join us in the Gallery for a relaxed Thursday evening of drinks and drawing, inspired by the exhibitions. Ticket includes a drink on arrival and use of drawing materials. All skill levels welcome.
18+
Book online here. £13.50
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