New artists take a fresh approach (From Stroud News and Journal)

New artists take a fresh approach

NEW is the last chance to see the Stroud House Gallery selection from the best of 2004's graduate work - sixteen artists with an exhilarating raw energy and fresh approach will be exhibiting at the gallery from this weekend.

Curator Lyn Cluer-Coleman visited 20 degree shows across the country and has selected work across all disciplines.

"The strength of work I found is outstanding," she said.

Pamela Schilderman's large painted panels surround and dwarf the viewer; the abstract landscape draws the eye in deep to discover multiple interpretations.

Robert Whiting's light box framed photography analyses the ambiguity of light and shadow in architectural interiors. He explores the soul of buildings and presents an intriguing abnormal normality.

A video installation from Marilyn Whittle manipulates a clip from Brief Encounter in which images detach from their source and create a powerful and emotional sculptural imprint.

And Karen Shapley's ceramics and collages reflect both decorative and domestic items and question the use of functionality. Each piece makes unusual use of surface pattern, detail and colour.

A series of Petri dishes containing deconstructed chicken bones forms Eleanor McArdle's installation. Her demanding project was based on her observations of the vernacular behaviour of urban culture in Hackney. The work is both repulsive and compulsive.

The other artists represented are: Thomas Goddard (winner of Artists Newsletter New Graduate of the Year 2004); Caroline Walton; Chris Daniels; Becky Woonton; Sam Irons; Rebecca Downey; Jane Chitty; Alex Dewart; Matthew Skelley; Christopher Lewis Roberts and Nayoung Cho.

New runs from Wednesday, April 6 until May 6 at the Stroud House Gallery, Station Road, Stroud. The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm or by appointment.