Conflict Contemporary work by The Cheltenham Group of Artists

8 – 30 November 2003

Unlike their previous shows, this exhibition concentrates on one theme. Each artist represented in the exhibition has created a work based on the idea of conflict.

What is conflict? Basically a difference of opinion which can spark off various reactions from a simple argument to a major war therefore it lies at the heart of our everyday lives and is always relevant. Its relevance throughout history has meant that artists have often drawn on issues of conflict for their work whether these issues stem from war, politics, religion or something more personal. By interpreting these sometimes difficult issues artists provide another insight and better understanding of our society and its development.

PJ Crook painted Madonna to express her feelings about the Bosnian conflict, she said ‘It seemed terrible that we were still as barbaric at the end of the Millennium as when it began…. The infant here is not only the young Christ, but is also symbolic of the new century – and a world which is still under constant threat of war, famine and pollution.’

Desert Snowstorm by Adam White is a reaction towards the first Gulf War, he says, ‘…. I was interested in the way the Iraqis were caricatured and how the war was interpreted by the media.’

Exhibitions Officer, Sophie Wilson says, ‘It is exciting to see this local group of artists addressing contemporary issues in their work and great that the group is broadening out as regards different medium with a sculptor and textile artist joining the group recently’.

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