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
This year, as part of our on-going artist support programme, Barnsley-based artist Ailish Treanor is undertaking an artist residency a Barnsley Civic. The work that she produces during this residency will be shown in a new major solo exhibition, opening in the Autumn.
Ailish works mainly in sculpture, incorporating some painting and installation as well. Some of her recent projects include Tableau Retro, a solo exhibition at 87 Gallery in Hull and Kissing Gate, a public sculpture commissioned by Barnsley Council as part Love Barnsley Festival 2022.
During her residency at Barnsley Civic she has been focusing on learning new techniques, such as ‘Trompe-l’oeil’ (a French term which translates to ‘deceives the eye’) and other traditional decorative painting techniques. She has also been researching the work of Georgia O’Keeffe and her diaristic writings, various art historical periods as well as non-traditional art forms such as shop window displays and set-design. She has also taken inspiration from the recent regeneration work on Eldon street, watching the place evolve as the original marble fronted shop facades are excavated and restored.
The exhibition will look at how we can 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.
The exhibition opens on 14th September 2024 until 18th January 2025.
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
A Day in the Life of Georgia O’Keeffe with artist Lucy Dewsnap/ Bearsuit – Sat 26 October, 11am – 3pm
Live a day in Georgia O’Keeffe’s life in the New Mexico desert, here in Barnsley! Join artist Lucy Dewsnap who will expertly guide you through a relaxed and inspiring day of activities inspired by O’Keeffe’s own practice.
O’Keeffe often spent her days wandering the New Mexican landscape, finding inspiration in unexpected places. The day will include a guided tour of the Georgia O’Keeffe; Memories of Drawing exhibition, as well as explorative drawing and painting activities. At the end of the session you will come away with intimate knowledge of O’Keeffe’s way of working, as well as your own O’Keeffe inspired masterpieces.
Materials provided. All skill levels welcome.
Book online here . £13.50
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
Barnsley Civic and Photoworks are very proud to showcase the work of the recipients of IN FRAME: The Barnsley Young Photographers Award 2024.
The Barnsley Young Photographers Award is committed to the development of artists aged up to 30 years old, living in, studying in, or working in Barnsley.
This year the award was split into three categories:
Emerging Professional – open to early career photographers up to the age of 30.
Student – open to those at college or university, aged 16 – 30.
School – in recognition of the recent emergence of the Photography GCSE, we celebrate the photography of young people aged between 11 – 16 in education, alternative provision, or home schooled.
The awarded artists are Millie Bentley, Molly Treanor, Ashton Knight, Jack Pearce, Mahala Christmas and Charlie Holt.
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