The Lie Of The Land, an exhibition of paintings now on show at Water Street Gallery, Todmorden, explores a strong sense of Calderdale as it is, and was.
Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and surrounding countryside are focus points for artists Malcolm Taylor, Margaret Shields, Richard Wincer, Elizabeth White and invited ceramic sculptor Kath Bonson, who incorporates photographic imagery with multi-layered combinations of glazed textures.
This uplifting exhibition celebrates the contrasting aspects of the South Pennine land, from wild elemental moorland and eroded valleys to the human impact of hilltop settlements and farms together with the bustle of town life set against familiar streets and urban landmarks.
Painterly qualities vividly express the energy of landscape, the solidness of buildings with unexpectedly rich pigments in umbers, purples and reds offset by atmospheric muted colours of sombre blue greys and pale greens more associated with the northern climate.
Several works explore beyond the “descriptive picturesque” and take issue with the diversity of man’s use and abuse of The Land, past and present, both in terms of subject matter and genre, in particular Margaret Shields and Kath Bonson.
There are works here for many artistic tastes for those looking to invest their interest in art and supporting our much valued and talented artists whose works in this exhibition undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
The exhibition runs at the gallery until October 20 and it is open from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive, or by appointment.