YesCymru has been marking its 10th anniversary with an art exhibition to showcase the very best of Welsh artistic talent.
Founded by Christine Moore and fellow members of YesCymru Bridgend, the “Art for Independence” exhibition is designed to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the founding of pro-Welsh independence organisation, YesCymru.
Over the summer, professional and budding artists across Wales were invited to send Welsh independence-themed art pieces for the art exhibition, with the winning pieces being displayed at Queen Street Art Gallery in Neath from the 2nd November - 30th November.
The exhibition was coordinated with the help of Neath Queen Street Gallery Owner, Bethan Ash who joined the judging panel along with other renowned Welsh artists, Iwan Bala and Claire Hiett.
Among the hundreds of entries received, Gus Payne, Sally Anne Llywellyn, Geraint Bala, Ian Fisher and Lynn Edwards were recently announced as the winners.
Sally’s work called Annibyniaeth (Independence) depicts Welsh singer Gruff Rhys and Dafydd Iwan’s iconic words “Yma O Hyd” in acrylic and oil pastel.
Geraint’s painting is inspired by the iconic photograph of the people of Cwm Celyn’s 1956 march on Liverpool, The Valley in Liverpool (November 1956) with thanks to Geoff Charles.
Ian’s etching, called Fool’s Cap Atlas, was inspired by a 16th century engraving of the Fool’s Cap Map of the World.
While Lynn’s work, YesCymru March, is a colourful collage depicting one of the organisation’s marches for independence.
Merthyr Tydful artist, Gus Payne, was the overall winner in the inaugural YesCymru Art of Independence Competition this autumn, and his winning work is featured along with those shortlisted in the Queens St Gallery in Neath.
Gus, a member of the Welsh Group of Artists, is an award-winning artist and exhibited his work all over the UK. His winning oil painting, Year for Celebrating, questions the notion of British democracy, making direct reference to the British monarchy and its enthusiastic relationship with other monarchies from around the globe, many, like Bahrain with its human rights issues.
Gus Payne’s work will also be featured as part of a solo exhibition at Studio 40, Neath in 2025.
The competition has been a resounding success and it is hoped that the exhibition will help further raise the profile of the pro-independence movement in Wales.
Christine Moore said:
“Fighting for Independence is as much about artists and artworks as it is about politicians and politics. Historically, artists have played a critical role in mobilising populations and developing national pride and identity.
“Welsh artists have a key role to play in the Indy Wales movement, utilising their work as a medium to express their views on the world around them.
“In an increasingly visual age, art can and should be a galvanising force in Wales in the fight for self-determination.”
Don't forget to visit the Art of Independence exhibition at the Queens St Gallery, Neath, open until Saturday 30th November.
It's open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm, throughout November at Queen Street Gallery, 40 Queen Street, Neath, SA11 1DL.
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