Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is delighted to welcome two new art exhibitions this November: In Search for the Past, a joint exhibition by Maria and Anna Horvathova and Curious Carnival, a solo exhibition by Anna Donovan.
Having graduated with an MFA from Belfast School of Art in 2023, Maria and Anna Horvathova have been developing their practices in painting, installation and lens based experimental discipline.
In their current practices, both explore ideas of home, identity, and memory. They are interested in creating landscapes that tell stories and remind the viewer of old feelings and moments. Their connection and perception of the landscape has developed into an appreciation of the natural world around us.
In this exhibition, Maria and Anna will curate a body of work to include oil paintings, and a selection of polaroid photographs in an installation approach. The aim of the work is to indicate and evoke feelings of appreciation towards nature and the landscapes. Being present in nature and illustrating their unique ways of responses.
Curious Carnival is a solo exhibition of ceramics by Anna Donovan. This curious exhibition will feature ceramic and mixed media sculptures playing with imagery inspired by a variety of mythological creatures combined with familiar carnival and circus tropes. Characters will have evolved from clowns, mermen, acrobats, strong men, and bearded ladies, to create a side show of curiosities!
Curious Carnival is the result of Donovan’s imagination, playing with, and nourished by childhood memories of funfairs, fairy tales, and legends.
Speaking about the exhibitions, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said:
We are delighted to welcome back Maria and Anna Horvathova to Ards Arts Centre. Maria and Anna’s exhibition will feature artworks and a collaborative installation that they commenced during their month-long studio residency with us in August as part of the Creative Peninsula festival. Meanwhile Anna Donovan brings a playful and other worldly collection of figures with her Curious Carnival that will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery throughout November.
Both exhibitions open on Friday 3 November and run until Tuesday 28 November. Admission is free during gallery opening hours.
All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 9 November at 7pm.
For more information telephone 028 9181 0803 or email arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.