Peter Wakelin and Rosalie Clement Hennion, Cardiff, September 2023

In this illustrated conversation, Rosalie Clement Hennion and Peter Wakelin talked about researching and writing artists’ biographies. They explored challenges such as lost artworks, unreliable witnesses, structuring narratives, the dangers of over-interpretation and the balance of biography and appreciation.  

The conversation was hosted by the Contemporary Art Society for Wales. CASW plays an active part in the cultural life of Wales supporting the purchase of artworks for public display in national collections, organising lectures, study tours and more. Find out further details here: https://casw.org.uk/

For the first episode of BRUSHSTROKES, I joined Charlotte Winifred Guérard in her studio in the RA, London! We delve into her early artistic training in Brighton to the development of her art practice now: whether recognising her visual vocabulary, experimenting with oil paints and printmaking or the influence of working in the heart of London.

Images: https://www.rosalieclementhennion.com/aviewfromtheside/brushstrokess1e1

CHARLOTTE WINIFRED GUÉRARD: https://alephcontemporary.com/artists/261-charlotte-winifred-guerard/works/

A Little Closer: https://alephcontemporary.com/exhibitions/59-a-little-closer-curated-by-andrew-hewish/overview/

The Aesthetics of Enchantment In Abstract Art: https://alephcontemporary.com/exhibitions/54-the-aesthetics-of-enchantment-in-abstract-art-text-by-ben-street.-exhibition-at-the-in/overview/

To celebrate the opening of ‘Bread & Games’, I joined Aleph Contemporary artists Miroslav Pomichal, Rachel Mercer, Archie Franks, and writer Paul Carey-Kent for a live discussion at the Bindery in Hatton Garden.

Welcome back to the third series of A View From the Side! For the first episode, I join Casper White in his studio in Cardiff. We uncover the creative process and inspirations behind his most recent paintings; including works exhibited at Mission Gallery, Swansea in 2020 and subsequently featured on BBC’s Inside Culture. Casper also shares his experience as an artist in Cardiff, strategies for artist applications and the benefits of touring group shows.

Welcome to these 3 special episodes of A View From the Side where I interviewed 5 artists on the Jerwood UNITe Residency at g39 in Cardiff. They were Gweni Llwyd, Gwenda Evans, Yewande YoYo Odunubi, Sadia Pineda Hameed & Beau Beakhouse and Wendy Short.

During these 5 artists time at the UNITe residency, it was my delight to support them through curatorial discussions and to see their work develop. The following episodes are a documentation of their experiences and processes on the programme, as well as a reflection on their earliest memories of art and route into becoming an artist.

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Social Media:

@gwenillwyd @mama.yoyoreturns @beauwbeakhouse @sadiaph @w-e-n-d-yshort @g.wenba

Music Credit:

Gwenba - Noeth

Welcome to these 3 special episodes of A View From the Side where I interviewed 5 artists on the Jerwood UNITe Residency at g39 in Cardiff. They were Gweni Llwyd, Gwenda Evans, Yewande YoYo Odunubi, Sadia Pineda Hameed & Beau Beakhouse and Wendy Short.

During these 5 artists time at the UNITe residency, it was my delight to support them through curatorial discussions and to see their work develop. The following episodes are a documentation of their experiences and processes on the programme, as well as a reflection on their earliest memories of art and route into becoming an artist.

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Music Credit:

Leftfield - Space Shanty

Welcome to these 3 special episodes of A View From the Side where I interviewed 5 artists on the Jerwood UNITe Residency at g39 in Cardiff. They were Gweni Llwyd, Gwenda Evans, Yewande YoYo Odunubi, Sadia Pineda Hameed & Beau Beakhouse and Wendy Short.

During these 5 artists time at the UNITe residency, it was my delight to support them through curatorial discussions and to see their work develop. The following episodes are a documentation of their experiences and processes on the programme, as well as a reflection on their earliest memories of art and route into becoming an artist.

For the sixth episode, I talk to Bernard Mitchell about his extensive photographic career. Bernard is always behind the camera, photographing hundreds of artists for his Welsh Arts Archive. For this episode, I wanted to hear Bernard’s story. We discuss his journey from journalist photographer in the 1960s to having his book published in 2017 and the growth of galleries across Wales. The episode finishes on a note to aspiring artists to ‘never give up.’ 

In the fifth episode, I interview Carole M. Hopkin about her grandfather’s photography, Llew E. Morgan, her mother the painter Elizabeth Hopkin, and their friend Josef Herman. 

We discuss the lively political and cultural nature of Ystradgynlais - a rich hub for Herman to settle in. Visitors included the politician Keir Hardie and the author David Martin. Herman contributed a unique creative energy to the village and gave lectures at the Welfare Hall. He joined the local camera club and admired Llew’s photography. Elizabeth captures this atmosphere and brings her own whimsical humour to the subject matter. We also talk about Carole’s memories of Herman in Edith Street, London and his brushes with David Bomberg and selling on Bond Street.  

For the fourth episode, I talk to Jon Pountney about his cinematic influences, his photographic exploration of South Wales’ post-industrial landscape, as well as his painting practice. We also discuss concerns such as media experimentation, using social media to collaborate, funding, and finding your voice as an artist.