In his new exhibition at the Atkinson Gallery in Street, Bristol-based artist and RWA Academician Andrew Hardwick draws his inspiration from the landscapes around his studio on a farm, close to where the River Severn turns into the sea, surrounded by factories and new housing estates.

Black Estuary, Brown Beach, Grey Sky

Subverting the idea of a traditional romantic landscape, his work often deals with the wilderness spaces around the edges of industrial areas or wastelands.

Old Workings, Moor, Summer Clouds

His large scale large-scale diptychs and triptych are created with a technique involving layers of board and canvas, different types of paint (sometimes recycled), netting and wire. This layering concept was partly inspired by childhood memories of the family farm being bi-sected by the M5 motorway and then by the Royal Portbury Dock.

Quarry, Moor and Autumn Sky

Supported by wooden battens, the works are deliberately warped, with complex surfaces that rise and fall, embedded with found objects and drawing the viewer deep into each landscape.

Resonant of World War I battlefields, desolate and poignant, this is a powerful and moving exhibition.

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The Andrew Hardwick exhibition is on at the Atkinson Gallery until Sat 7 December. Opening hours Mon to Sat 9.30am – 5pm. Free admission.

Park in the free car park on Butleigh Road and enter the school via the Gatehouse, on the left by the main gate and you’ll be directed to the Gallery.

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Atkinson Gallery, Millfield School, Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD. atkinsongallery.co.uk

Andrew Hardwick at the Atkinson Gallery

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