Porthminster Gallery’s first big exhibition of the year opens on 6th March, showcasing work by Ben Nicholson and Patrick Haughton.
Patnos Monastery, 1967, by Ben Nicholson
Greek and Turkish Forms is a selling exhibition of framed signed etchings from Nicholson’s 1967-68 suite. Based on drawings of Aegean motifs and architecture made on holiday cruising the Greek islands and Turkish coast in 1967, Nicholson’s subtly toned, playful, and expressive linear etchings are a sophisticated example of the artist’s unique take on the world around him.
This was only the second of three portfolio suites of etchings that Nicholson produced, each in collaboration with the printmaker François Lafranca, who printed the copper plates which Nicholson engraved at his home above Lake Maggiore in Switzerland. Each etching is signed in pencil, dated ’67’, and numbered from the edition of 50. Published in 1968 by Ganymed Original Editions Ltd and Marlborough Fine Art, London, editions of the suite are held in the collections of the V & A, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Australia.
Earth Song 6 Allegro Vivace 2024, by Patrick Haughton
Earth Song is an exhibition of new and recent elegantly understated paintings and painted relief constructions on board by Patrick Haughton. Inspired by the ancient landscapes of west Cornwall, they’re an exploration of the remnant, fugitive shadows residually tracing the passage of life through time and place.
The artists’ works are complemented by abstract bronze sculptures by Margaret Lovell and Tommy Rowe, and ceramic sculptures by Peter Hayes, who, in-keeping with Nicholson and Haughton, are also inspired by ancient motifs and landscapes. The show runs until 4th April.
