Hester Berry - HORIZONS
West Buckland School, North Devon
23rd April - 28th May 2010, Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm or by appointment
I am delighted to invite you to the first exhibition held in a brand new art centre at West Buckland School. I wanted to honour the concept and realization of this beautiful and environmentally friendly building, which will nurture and maximize the talents and potential of aspiring young artists. In my exhibition I aim to echo the sustainable nature of the building and draw attention to local and global environmental issues.
An issue of considerable controversy in Devon is the proposal for several on-shore wind farms. The plans have been met with mixed views. Nationally, we recognize the need to find alternative energy sources, but locally the situation becomes more complicated.
There are many planned wind farms in Devon, but my paintings focus on those closest to West Buckland: Fullabrook Down and, not far from Exmoor National Park, Three Moors, Bickham Moor and Batsworthy Cross.
Although most people are aware of climate change and the need to create clean power, not all agree that the 100ft turbines are the best way to do this. There are convincing arguments for and against wind farms, but much evidence from either side is biased.
The title of the show, taken from the beautiful acoustic track on Genesis' album, Foxtrot, is my acknowledgment of the impact of turbines on both the physical skyline and on changing borders where common sense, apathy and ignorance meet. I hope my paintings, which use recycled and eco-friendly materials, attain objectivity and impartiality. They show a realistic projection of how these proposed farms will appear. It is not my intention to either condemn or condone wind farms, but to foresee the reality and encourage the audience to reach their own conclusions.
150 Building, West Buckland School, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0SX - Tel: 01598 760281 - Email: enquiries@westbuckland.devon.sch.uk hesterberry@hotmail.com - Website: www.westbuckland.devon.sch.uk, www.hesterberry.co.uk
Posted 23rd March in:
