A Cultural Distraction in August

After my visit to Oncology on Tuesday 2nd August 2011 I needed a little distraction. We had arranged a visit to the RWA art Gallery the week before last. I was really looking forward to going and seeing the new August exhibitions! We were also going to sample the delights at Papadeli's Cafe which is positioned within the building. Handy!

The weather could not have been more perfect, the most glorious Summers day. En route to the RWA we passed the Victoria Rooms which are located opposite. A Wow Gorilla stands guard near to the fountains. Banana Shirt is brightly coloured and luckily he had his sunnies on!

Papadeli's was calling and we decided to eat first and then view the various exhibitions. How wonderful to be able to sit up on the balcony. Not only  a great view overlooking the Victoria Rooms, fountains and statue of Edward V11 but next to Damien Hirst's gigantic art work - A Twenty two foot high painted bronze statue - 'Charity' based on the 1960's/70's Spastic Society collection box. What a truly historical and cultural way to eat a salad, pie or sandwich!
Now to the Gallery and first up was Mary Fedden 'Celebration' Exhibition. Painting of still life, landscape, flowers and a beautiful elephant with inscription to a friend. A few years ago I had the priviledge of seeing David Hockey's exhibition at the Tate Modern in London. I was delighted to read that David Hockey had been one of Mary's pupils!

We moved into the next room where Elizabeth Frink's 'Wild' exhibition was displayed. Bronze sculptures of Baboons, horses and man are beautifully spaced out to give the viewer ample room to view from all angles these extremely detailed and fluid sculptures.


Finally, my particular favourite exhibition of the day - Lisa Milroy's 'Improvisations'. The main theme linking all of the paintings in this exhibition are the Japanese Geisha. Prints on Woodblock and Oil on canvass. The vibrant colours used on paintings such as 'Shipwrecked' are in total contrast to the black and white paintings of the solitary Geisha's. Both beautiful and exquisite in their own way.
I sat and stared, stood and analysed each individual Geisha painting in the multi coloured prints and wondered how long did each one of these large paintings take Lisa?








If you get the chance to visit the RWA I can recommend that you visit these very different but very worthwhile exhibitions. If its early in the morning, lunchtime or afternoon, go and sample the delights at Papadeli's and take in the view from the balcony. You will not be disappointed.