Press Releases
Self Portrait UK 14-19: How does teenage Britain see itself?
Date:
2005-07-06Welsh TV presenter and actress, Lisa Rogers, will unveil the Self Portrait UK 14–19 exhibition at the National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff on Thursday, 14 July.
A thought-provoking touring exhibition of teenage self portraits submitted to Channel 4's hugely successful self-portrait campaign, Self Portrait UK gives a unique insight into the many different identities, individual stories and cultures of young people in Britain today.
The exhibition showcases 100 images, video and audio self-portraits which challenge perceptions of how young people view themselves and are viewed by others. Works by Welsh teenagers includes a striking painting by Callum Parker, a carefully constructed montage of personal photographs by Elin Jones, an accomplished oil painting by Georgia Pawelko and a highly personal portrait using photography and digital imaging by Nicola Evans. Using a fusion of drama, documentary and comedy, Cory, Mark and Philip from Yikes TV, have produced a series of provocative and powerful films that convey their life stories.
A selection of self portraits from a glittering cast of celebrities including Welsh born TV presenter Lisa Rogers, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah, principal ballerina Darcey Bussell, percussionist Evelyn Glennie, comedian and actress, Shazia Mirza and acclaimed DJ and broadcaster, Trevor Nelson will also be exhibited.
Michael Tooby, Director, National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff said:
"This exciting, high quality project provides an opportunity for young people to communicate and explore their own histories and identities through the universal language of art. The works on display are innovative in their creativity, startling in their honesty and offer a unique insight into the daily realities and dreams of young people today."
Heather Rabbatts, Head of Education, Channel 4, said: "It's during those challenging years of adolescence that we really start to think about our identity, who we are, what we believe in and how we want to be seen. The response to our self-portrait campaign has reflected this — young people from walks of life have been contributing images of themselves using bold and innovative ways to express and explore the issues that affect their lives — their ideas, personality, talent, hopes, dreams and concerns — truly reflecting the diversity and imagination that defines teenage Britain today."
Entry to all NMGW sites is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Other NMGW sites are the National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff, Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagans, Big Pit: National Mining Museum, Blaenafon — winner of this year's prestigious Gulbenkian Prize, Roman Legionary Museum, Caerleon, National Woollen Museum, Dre fach Felindre and the Welsh Slate Museum, Llanberis. Opening later this year is the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, telling the stories of the peoples, industry and innovation of Wales.
For further information please contact:
Julie Richards, Press Officer
National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff
Tel: 07876 476695
Email: Julie.richards@museumwales.ac.uk
For further information and images for Self Portrait UK and Self Portrait UK 14-19 campaign and exhibition tour please contact:
jane@janewaltonpr.com
Tel: 07921 756 401
Email: jane@janewaltonpr.com