Press Releases

"A very rewarding project with professional artists who understand the structure of paintings and have knowledge of art history," is 18-year-old John Rogers' description of Transfiguration.

John, from Ysgol Gyfun y Pant in Rhondda, was one of several students who worked with local artists Dan Llywelyn Hall and Raphael Pepper last month to create new artworks based on the Welsh landscape. The result of this collaboration between the artists and four schools in south Wales is a new display at National Museum Cardiff called Transfiguration, which was opened officially by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM on Saturday 6 June 2009.

Using works from the Museum's Welsh Landscape Gallery and surrounding locations as inspiration, artists Dan Llywelyn Hall and Raphael Pepper have created six works which will be displayed in the Museum until 19 July 2009.

"Within this collaborative exhibition, two painters lay out their stall in response to landscape. Neither Dan Llywelyn Hall nor Raphael Pepper approaches the landscape with postmodern insouciance" said poet and art critic, Sue Hubbard.

Central to the display is a panel of 84 works by students from Llanedyrn High School, Llantwit Major School, Ysgol Y Pant School and Mary Immaculate High School, which they created during a series of workshops led by the artists.

"The school pupils were asked to create their own artworks based on an element of their chosen landscape," said Eleri Evans, Learning Co-ordinator, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales who co-ordinated the project. "And the opportunity to work with practising artists such as Dan and Raphael certainly inspired them."

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM sees the benefit of this partnership. He said:

"It's great to see the National Museum, artists and our young citizens working together. Not only does it concur with the Assembly's priorities as we celebrate 10 years of devolution but it also demonstrates the proactive nature of organizations and professionals today, helping young people develop new skills and work creatively."

The project is supported by Arts Council of Wales and the Earl of Plymouth. An extension of Transfiguration can be viewed at the Washington Gallery in Penarth, running concurrently with this display.

A fully illustrated catalogue to accompany the project is available from the Museum shop.

National Museum Cardiff is one of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales's seven national museums. The others are St Fagans: National History Museum, the National Roman Legion Museum, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, the National Wool Museum, the National Slate Museum and the National Waterfront Museum.

Entry to exhibition and the Museum is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

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For further information, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer on (029) 2057 3185 or 07920 027067 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.