Detail

Photo: Carl Plackman adjusts Decoy

Nothing is as it seems at 'Crooked Light' at the Royal West of England Academy in Queen's Road, Bristol until July 26, 2003.

Inspired by the poem 'Engravings of the Garden', the show features the work of three top British artists - Jacqueline Pennell, Carl Plackman and Boyd Webb.

"So far the exhibits have received a mixed reaction from the public and are perhaps more likely to appeal to art gallery aficionados," said RWA press officer Fiona Swadling.

Internationally renowned artist Carl Plackman - who taught controversial 'Brit Art' celebrity Damien Hirst art in his pre-petrified shark days - will show combined charcoal drawings and sculptures.

Photo: Fall from Grace by Carl Plackman

Swadling does admit, however, that most people have found Boyd Webb's Trigger Happy TV-style 'Horse and Dog' film funny as it features a pantomime horse and a dog wandering through fields and trying to read maps on a camping trip. Thankfully the animals are really actors in fancy dress and not the real McCoy!

Webb's Pythonesque early photos make an interesting contrast to the film, featuring 'seventies images of a man growing moss in his eyebrows and Swadling's favourite, a black and white picture of a little boy looking into a lake surrounded by a flower border edged with eels.

Photo: Comedy of Errors by Carl Plackman

If you're feeling in need of a virtual summer holiday with a difference, there's also a gallery devoted to the barren landscapes of Spain by artist Jacqueline Pennell topically entitled 'Perfect Day'.

John Huggins, Artist Chairman of the RWA describes 'Crooked Light' as an unusual show for the RWA, which complements the gallery's diverse exhibitions programme. Previous shows this year have already attracted a record number of visitors.

If you fancy finding out what all the fuss is about and are a fan of the weird and wonderful or a resident of Eel Pie Island this one's for you!