Press ReleaseFor immediate use

1 June 2009

Blooming MarvellousThe Art of Flowers

6 June – 14 October 2009

Flower Power takes over The New Art Gallery as new exhibition opens…

Summer has come early to The New Art Gallery Walsall as a new exhibition opens

called Blooming Marvellous, The Art of Flowers from 6 June – 14 October

2009. Flowers have been a popular subject matter for artists for many decades

and this selection of work builds on the themes in the Garman Ryan Collection,

gifted to Walsall in 1972 by Lady Kathleen Garman.

This careful selection of works from Walsall’s art collections demonstrates just how

diverse and surprising this collection of artworks really is. What may at first appear

as nothing more than beautiful images of flowers, actually encompass and address

issues as varied as; the relationship between art and gardening; mortality; the

relationship between humans and nature; gender and sexuality.

Jo Digger, Collections Curator said “This exhibition blossomed from an idea to

explore one of the many themes represented in The New Art Gallery Walsall. We

discovered several hidden works in our collection which have never been seen

before. It’s a real delight to present this colourful selection of the many flower

paintings and prints held in the permanent and Garman Ryan Collection in time for

the summer months”.

This exhibition can be enjoyed by both art lovers and gardening enthusiasts and

anyone who loves flowers. It includes both contemporary and historic works by

artists such as Jacob Epstein, Marc Quinn and Helen Chadwick.

The exhibition is accompanied two leaflets which give both an artistic view written

by an art historian and by a gardener offering two unique perspectives on the work

on display.

Ends

Notes to EditorsBlooming Marvellous: The Art of Flowers

6 June – 14 October 2009

Admission Free

Photocall: 11am on Tuesday 9 June 2009 at The New Art Gallery Walsall.

Interviews For interview opportunities with Collections Curator, Jo Digger and further

information, please contact Hollie Latham, Marketing and Development Manager

on 01922 654402 or email lathamh@walsall.gov.uk

The New Art Gallery Walsall is run and maintained by Walsall Council and also

receives significant financial support from Arts Council England. The gallery is

open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm. Admission is free.

For more information visit the gallery website thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk

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