REGARD THE LIGHT

14 Oct-17 Dec 2022

Rouen Cathedral, 1831, Oil on canvas. Credit: Gift from J. L. Walton, 1949. © Grundy Art Gallery Collection, Blackpool Council

Overview

Drawing on Grundy Art Gallery’s collection of paintings as well as the loan of works by JMW Turner (1775-1851), from Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre, Regard The Light is an exhibition that looks at how light is variously used by artists to create drama, atmosphere and symbolic meaning.

Within these works, natural and artificial light is captured streaming in through windows, bouncing off mirrors and reflecting off expanses of water. Light may be the subject of the artwork’s story, or it may be an aside – there to draw the viewers eye to what else is happening in the composition.

In addition to key works from Grundy’s own collection, Regard The Light also includes two watercolours and forty prints by JMW Turner from his Liber Studiorum (Latin: Book of Studies) – a portfolio of seventy one prints of landscape and seascape compositions. Often described as the ‘painter of light’, the works on display show how Turner’s skilled use of contrast and shadow have led to his reputation as a master of high drama.

With thanks to Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre and to artist Louise Giovanelli exhibition research support.