Museum could become a hub of creativity

Apr 18 2008 by Gordon Dalton, Western Mail

LAST week I appeared in the Western Mail discussing the future of the National Gallery and Museum of Wales.

One of the proposals – that the museum be used exclusively for art – had made the front page, with many worried that it would become elitist.

In a discussion piece I was put forward as someone that thought this was a good idea.

To clarify, I think the museum should have a new wing to display more of its excellent collection from all departments. It also should continue sharing these treasures across its other sites.

I propose that there is a standalone “museum” for modern and contemporary art. This shouldn't be under the direction of the National Museums and Galleries of Wales but an independent organisation with a remit for showing the best national and international art.

It should be a hub of production for the creative industries and flexible enough to engage with a wide public and critical audience.

Finally, it should be in Cardiff.

OK, that's it. Discuss...

ON the exhibition front, Ffotogallery in Penarth opens an exhibition by Sophy Rickett next week.

Although she’s predominantly a photographer, Ffotogallery will be showing her new film, Auditorium.

Set in and around Glyndebourne Opera House, the camera focuses on the inner workings of the building, backdrops, lighting rigs and the stage. Beautifully shot and sound-tracked by a dramatic and eloquent musical score by collaborator Ed Hughes, the film has a subtle operatic quality of its own.

Showing alongside her film are her minimal, detached and largely monochrome pieces which explore the surface tension of photography.

Rickett's photographs focus on a solitary object, such as a tree, a theatrical curtain, a bridge or an isolated figure, force us to continually weave between the flatness of the photo’s surface and the illusion of three dimensional space.

FINALLY, another Café Artistique date for your diary – this time in Dempseys, Cardiff on Monday.

The usual drink-fuelled debates and discussion will be augmented this time by a presentation by artist Doug Fishbone, whose work takes a very serious look at humour in art. Cardiff-based Paul Hurley acts as support.

Doors open at 7pm with kick off at 7.30pm.