Press Releases

Captivating new art-form descends on National Waterfront Museum

Relics: a photospherical reflection on Wales is now being showcased at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.

Tintern Abbey © Matt Wright

Blaenavon © Matt Wright

Relics is a multifaceted artistic project based around site-specific photographic art installations. The display of work by Cardiff based visual artist Matt Wright comprises of eight giant photospheres installed across the building.

For the past 10 years, Wright has been living in, documenting and drawing creative inspiration from the beautiful and varied landscapes and buildings of Wales.

Relics will showcase his unique view on these landscapes through the first large-scale implementation of his 360° photospherical practice, where he presents high definition 360° panoramic photographs as spherical sculptures back at their exact point of capture. Examples include historical Cadw sites across Wales including Tintern Abbey, Blaenafon Ironworks and the prehistoric burial chamber of Pentre Ifan.

These photospheres are brought together alongside supporting documentation to create a large scale touring visual arts exhibition which will be on display at the National Waterfront Museum until 19 June.

Matt Wright is delighted to have his work on display, he said: “It’s extremely exciting to show my photospherical work in the stunning main hall of the National Waterfront Museum. I have always been greatly impressed by the amazing interactive exhibits that this museum offers its visitors and having the chance to show my work amongst them is a true privilege.”

Speaking about the new display, Exhibitions Officer Andrew Deathe said: “It’s been extremely popular with visitors already. The exhibits really surprise people as they walk in, especially the large-scale installations hanging from the ceiling.

“The main hall is the perfect space to really show off Matt’s work and provides a unique reflection on the heritage and landscape of Wales.”

The spheres are ‘both delightful and surprising’ according to Cadw’s heritage and arts manager, Dr Ffion Reynolds. “Public art such as this raises the energy levels for all who experience it; these playful pieces evoke joy in their creativity and the project has been designed to inspire and surprise audiences. By being placed allowing visitors to walk around them and interact with the photographs, the works are very accessible too.”

ENDS

For more detailed information about the project and artist Matt Wight visit http://www.relics360.com/about/#project

Relics: a photospherical reflection on Wales will be on display at the National Waterfront Museum until 19 June.

Cadw is the Welsh Government's historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales. For more information visit http://cadw.gov.wales/