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Highly Anticipated Blackwater Gallery Launches in April

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A new highly anticipated Art Gallery Blackwater will be opening April 2019 in Cardiff Bay with a series of prominent exhibitions.

Blackwater set itself a mission to source some of the world’s greatest artists and present them to a vibrant and growing Welsh art community.

Blackwater has brought together an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary art, from UK emerging talent, right through to critically acclaimed Royal Academy artists.

Gallery Director Ruth Jones is passionate that global art should be freely available to see for all Welsh art lovers.

She says:

We have travelled all around the world sourcing our artists and we are so proud and privileged to share them with the people in Cardiff, Wales, throughout the UK, and internationally.

All of our incredibly talented artists have been chosen for their diversity, originality, and thought-provoking work, some of which will be showcased in the United Kingdom for the very first time.”

Founder Jamie Aherne feels that Cardiff as a capital city needs to stand shoulder to shoulder with London, New York and Paris.

He says:

“Here in Cardiff I feel it’s time to push the boundaries and unearth the artistic raw talent that this city is craving. Artists often work very long hours, waiting for that one break. We are really looking forward to nurture this talent, remove self doubt, and let these individuals flourish.”

Artists on show include Cathy Lewis, whose past sculpture work has been showcased at The Royal Academy; Dairo Vargos, a Colombian artist well-liked by the royal family; John Wragg, who has been exhibited at the TATE Gallery and is a member of The Royal Academy; Nico Klein Allerman, who uses the proceeds of his work to fund education for children in the Philippines; and Patricia Volk, whose artwork is being used for ITV’s indents throughout 2019.

Ruth Jones also shares Jamie’s enthusiasm for art. She continues: “You know an artist when you see one, they live and breathe it. I feel it is important to source emerging artists and encourage them to fulfil their potential.”

This ambition is mirrored by the gallery’s chosen location. With views looking over Cardiff Bay and Marina, the name Blackwater is a tribute to Wales’ largest port. In its heyday Cardiff Docks was handling more coal than any other port in the world, and it is widely believed that the water was turned black because of this. Jamie wants to take inspiration from the entrepreneurial spirit of those bygone days. He has been an avid collector on the art scene for many years and feels the Cardiff Bay is a great place to showcase this work and, in doing so, help grow Cardiff’s art scene.

He continues:

“I have always been a fan of art and have been fortunate enough to acquire many wonderful pieces. I truly believe that art should be seen and not hidden away and this is my gift to Wales. ”

Ruth feels that Wales can play its part in building talent. She says: “A lot of people are intimidated to even walk into an art gallery, we have actually experienced this first hand, and it’s our intention for Blackwater Gallery to be accessible to everyone and not just the chosen few. We want to embrace visitors from all walks of life, to come and see, and experience our amazing collection of art!”

‘The Journey Begins’ exhibition, featuring a diverse collection of original new works created by our internationally acclaimed artists.

  • Date: Saturday 30th March 2019
  • Location: Blackwater Gallery, Pendeen House, Prospect Place, CF11 0AW
  • VIP Time: 6-9pm, Invitation Only
  • Guest Time: 7-9pm, Tickets Available via Eventbrite
  • Exhibition continues: Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm
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