Exhibition: Disquiet Beauty

This post is on the topic of art in my local area as opposed to music as I think it’s definitely worth a mention!

Take a worthwhile trip into Rochester’s Art Gallery (Medway, Kent) to be enlightened by the fascinating pieces that have been created with natural materials. As a member of the audience, I interpret it as the idea of making something that is stereotypically viewed as really quite cold, dark and lifeless and bringing it’s full potential to the foreground. This involves creating purposes for objects that perhaps, no longer have a use, such as Tessa Farmer’s miniature fairy sculptures made from insect carcasses, plant roots and other natural materials.

Cormac McManigan’s stag beetle necklace

Look further and you’ll also discover Medway-based contemporary jeweller, artist and tutor, Cormac McManigan’s stag beetles made from bronze and crafted into pieces of jewellery. He explains about the nature of the materials he used, “The beetles we have now are the same beetles we had in Jurassic times. They’ve evolved and stayed and apart from the little quirks, they are the same creature” comparing them to looking at “tiny dinosaurs”. As a viewer, you almost treasure the beauty that can be discovered and loved in any antique.

Zara Carpenter’s piece – ‘Persephone’

Intriguing and thought-provoking concepts are also explored, which Medway-based artist and co-curator Zara Carpenter explains on BBC News, “the myth is that Persephone is the bringer of life and death … when she’s on Earth everything blooms and blossoms … and when she goes to the Underworld everything dies”. Furthermore, this idea is reflected through the use of living and dead organisms on the piece of artwork including; silk flowers, birds’ wings and insects.

I really do believe this is a truly fascinating exhibition that not only focuses on the perception of superficial beauty but also the pure beauty that can be found within. These can be viewed as an effect from exploring the binary forces of attraction and repulsion. It’s interesting how objects of repulsion, on a first glance can be viewed in such a different light. Other artists works that you definitely won’t want to miss include; contemporary artist Kerry Howley who is inspired by unique materials, as well as artist Kate MccGwire who’s work has been showcased across the globe.

Disquiet Beauty is running from 24^th October 2014 to 3^rd January 2015, Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm (closed Sundays). You’ll find the exhibition at Rochester Art Gallery, Medway Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LX.

Kerry Howley’s unique jewellery made from hair