Pop-up exhibitions have been taking place along the Welsh coastal path since September as part of the Celf Coast Project. The project is to celebrate and mark the Wales Coast Path 10th anniversary. Welsh artists and poets have unveiled their new work in the exhibitions, aiming to capture the spirit of the path through arts and poetry.
Lead artist for the project, Dan Llywelyn Hall, said: “Together with the Offa’s Dyke Path and Glyndŵr’s Way, the Wales Coast Path paves an arterial journey around Wales — providing an infinite scope of exploration for the artists and poets involved in this project.
“The powerful work created pays tribute to the rich history of trade, settlement, migration, industry and survival of Wales — which has shaped our nation’s rugged wonder over the centuries. And I can’t think of better time to celebrate it, than during the 10th anniversary of the Wales Coast Path.”
This weekend the exhibition is coming to The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport with the work by Neale Howells. Howells was born in Neath and works in his studio in Port Talbot, he is known for his artwork used by the Manic Street Preachers’ album in 2001, ‘Know Your Enemy’, which is now being re-released. Like the other artists involved, Howells’ work is inspired by the extraordinary natural beauty of the 870-mile Path.
‘’I was asked by Dan Llewellyn to be part of Wales coastal path 10th anniversary exhibition which I hesitantly agreed to. I needn’t have been that reluctant as I found a way into this project by taking what I do in the studio, outdoors and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This resulted in performance, stencilling, drawing, painting then exploring neath port Talbot and documenting it all on film. The final work was an organic process of using photography, collage, paint, and industrial pieces which I hope gives an exciting and imaginative insight into our industrial and political heritage of Neath Port Talbot. And of course, with additional two large paintings either side in this subterranean space we hope the exhibition provides Wales with one of its most remembered visual experiences this year.’’ Neale Howells, Welsh Artist.
The art will launch at The Riverfront theatre and Arts Centre, Newport this Saturday (22 October 2022) at 2pm.
To find out more please visit https://www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/latest-news/news-and-press-releases/arts-and-poetry-project-10th-anniversary/?lang=en or contact The Riverfront Box Office team on 01633 656757.
