Devon LivingIssue #01
A fitting tribute
Plymouth is set to stage a final exhibition by ‘the last of the St Ives modernists’.
A new exhibition featuring the work of abstract artist Trevor Bell opens in the Peninsula Arts Gallery at the University of Plymouth on 16th April.
“His large-scale intense colour works will provide visitors to the Peninsula Arts gallery with an amazingly visual experience.”
‘Trevor Bell: Trans-Form’ is the final exhibition Bell worked on before sadly passing away in November last year. It features a selection of 11 monumental paintings from the 1990s and 2000s alongside a brand new sound score composed by Jamie Mills.
The exhibition is a partnership between Peninsula Arts and The Box, Plymouth. Curated by Joseph Clarke, director of the Anima-Mundi gallery in St Ives, it will remain on display until 26th May.
Described as ‘the last of the St Ives modernists’, Bell was born in Leeds before moving to St Ives, Cornwall in 1955. His presence there, along with the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Peter Lanyon gave British Art an international reputation.
When Bell held his first solo exhibition in London in 1958, Patrick Heron described him as ‘the best non-figurative painter’ of his generation. Fellowships, scholarships, commissions and awards followed. He also spent 20 years working in America as a Professor at Florida State University.
“Showing an exhibition of work by Trevor Bell is a long-held ambition for Plymouth,” says CEO for The Box, Paul Brookes. “His large-scale intense colour works will provide visitors to the Peninsula Arts gallery with an amazingly visual experience. We’re deeply sorry that he won’t be able to see the exhibition for himself, but hope it will be a fitting tribute to him, showing that the vibrancy and energy of his work lives on.”
A series of events inspired by the exhibition will also take place during April and May, including talks, gallery tours, family activities, yoga sessions and a newly commissioned dance co-choreographed and performed by Sarah Fairhall and Lois Taylor.
Open between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays), and 11am until 4pm on Saturday, admission to the gallery is free, so be sure to take a look around next time you’re in Plymouth.
PENINSULA ARTS GALLERY
"His large-scale intense colour works will provide visitors to the Peninsula Arts gallery with an amazingly visual experience."