Four artists who each share a passion for expressing the savage, erotic or subconscious aspects of life have come together for an intriguing group show at Rugby Museum and Art Gallery.
Uncanny Tales runs at the Gallery until Sunday November 5 and features the work of the internationally recognised London based artists, Paula Rego, Ana Maria Pacheco, Marcelle Hanselaar and Oona Grimes brought together for the first time.
The result is a thought-provoking exhibition that showcases the fluent drawing skills, subtle use of colour and technical expertise within the print process of four major artists.
A touring exhibition from the Foundation for Women's Art, a charity that aims to increase public knowledge and understanding of the work of women artists, the work chosen for the show carefully draws on sources as diverse as Hogarth and the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales.
Portuguese born artist Paula Rego, shows etchings from the Nursery Rhyme series and the Pendle Witches series as well as lithographs from her recently acclaimed Jane Eyre Portfolio.
Brazilian born Ana Maria Pacheco shows dry points, which reflect her concern with the dark side of Catholicism, offering a unique retelling of Old Testament stories and her own interpretation of legend.
Marcelle Hanselaar's concern with childhood and sexuality shows nothing yet suggests everything, her paintings and prints are reminiscent of German Expressionism in their power to disturb.
Oona Grimes brings a touch of lightness with her dismembered cartoon like figures cavorting through childhood as well as her delicate evocations of floating matter in her How Clever of God series.
The artists are arguably four of the strongest figurative artists working in the UK today and the show offers a valuable insight into their practice as well as delving into the world of the uncanny.
Uncanny Tales runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum until Sunday November 5 2006 and continues at the Babylon Art Gallery, Ely from January 6 until February 11 2007. For further information about the foundation for Women’s Art log on to www.fwa-uk.org .
