Curator Zosia Krasnowolska points out that people
in Poland generally consider themselves to be central
Europeans, while Lithuanians see themselves as being
from the Baltic states. She is interested in how these
perceptions of identity are formed and distorted. The
exhibition title is a play on words, meaning literally ‘from
the outside’ - yet Est also translates to ‘east’
in Italian and the exhibition originated in Naples in Italy.
Although the future of The Kickplate Gallery is currently
uncertain, it is a beacon for contemporary art in the
valleys of south Wales and enjoys strong backing from
renowned Welsh artist John Selway, as well as vocal
support from residents and local councils.
The gallery offers genuine opportunities to view
international work in a friendly, welcoming context.
In one guise or another it must surely continue.
Internationalism, sustainability, Swansea
Following the gallery’s recent collaboration with Colony
14 in Cardigan, Jonathan and his troops are currently
organising the BEEP international prize for contemporary
painting in Wales (biennial exhibition of painting).
BEEP first took place in 2012 at Swansea’s Volcano
Theatre, a venue well outside the traditional white
cube, with a studio-oriented aesthetic and the backs
of paintings in full view. The prize provokes new dialogue
about the nature of contemporary painting in Wales
and contrasts with the prevalence of the Pembroke
landscape tradition.
The second BEEP exhibition will be held in two locations,
at Elysium Gallery