Saturday afternoon, another 'cultural event', a bit more underground than 'Golau ar y Gamlas, Venezia' at Oriel Ynys Mon but just as interesting and just as challenging. as we arrive at Amgueddfa Gwynedd the lawn outside is full of activity with the Young Archaeologist's Club. I recognise a familiar face from the Meillionydd excavations and of course Aimee and Karen from Ancient Footprints http://www.ancientfootprints.co.uk/index.html . They are busy making pottery and digging in sand pits .......
See, Bangor can be a cool Welsh City - Art and Archaeology all in one day .....
But today is not archaeology day, we are here for the opening of Wendy Mayer's new sculptures exhibition - strange life like baby dolls, strange characters, very animated, very real in all sorts of positions. This is quite a refreshing exhibition, it's vibe-y and cool and very, very left field, slightly European, takes me back to Stuttgart or somewhere.
I look for the Welshness, it's up stairs I guess with 'Salem' which seems to be doing brisk business on the back of Meyer pulling in the crowds on a hot Saturday afternoon.
Upstairs @ Amgueddfa Gwynedd :
Alan Holmes, legendary Bangor musician, founder of Central Slate Records and one time bass player with Fflaps, Third Spain, Ectogram etc has been immortalised in one of the sculptures. Alan is requested to pose next to the piece and is kept busy. I see him upstairs later in the 'Salem' room - we chat about how the Welsh adopted 'Salem' as the National portrait - it became iconic but was given it's first rush of speed as a marketing tool for soap. Sian Owen did not even attend Cefncymerau Chapel still ...... Salem is Salem - iconic and cool - and just a bit brilliant for being on show in Bangor !
I'm tempted to shout "will the real Alan Holmes please stand up"
Huw Prestatyn is there, Huw is the Welsh Language version of Jamie Reid, responsible for more fanzines, record sleeves and Cymdeithas yr Iaith gig posters than any other living graphic designer in Wales. Huw is always full of theories and pronouncements, you do not discuss the weather with Huw for sure ....
Nest (Amgueddfa Gwynedd) with Huw Prestatyn :
As with all openings, the buzz is great but one needs to return to spend time with the art. Amgueddfa Gwynedd has pulled off another gem. A Must See. A Go See !
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