Holocaust Memorial exhibition preview

Published 27 January 2012

Members of the Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet and other invited dignitaries assembled at Barry’s Art Central gallery for a preview of this year’s Holocaust Memorial exhibition, ‘Blue Line’.

The month-long show, which opened to the public on January 25, features work from conflict and war artists Nicola Tucker and Maciej Hoffman.

Cardiff-based Tucker and Hoffman, from Wraclow, Poland, each brought their own interpretation of the theme, in their first full exhibition together in Wales.

The Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Councillor John Clifford opened the evening and was one of around 50 people at the gallery in King Square, along with the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Dr Peter Beck, the High Sherriff of South Glamorgan, Roger Thomas , the Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Councillor Gordon Kemp and Cabinet member for the arts, tourism and leisure, Councillor Anthony Ernest.

Councillor Kemp, said: “This was a very thought-provoking exhibition and exemplifies why it is important to remember the events of the Holocaust.” He spoke about atrocities and genocides that have taken place over hundreds of years and are still taking place today, highlighting the fact that the human race still hasn’t learnt from past mistakes and showing the importance of this exhibition.

Artist Nicola Tucker’s cleverly-created, deep and meaningful sculptural installations include  ‘Thread of Hope’ with its fibre optic, luminous light shaft and arrow work suspended, capturing time and space and the striking  ‘Red Cross’ - created specifically for the Barry exhibition.

She spoke to the assembled guests about the works on display and thanked the council on behalf of Maciej Hoffman and herself for being able to show their work in the gallery.

Arts development officer, Tracey Harding, said: “Maciej Hoffman’s work, ‘Reverse Perspective’ and Wire Chair caused a flurry of interest.

“The visitors wanted to know why the barbed wire chair was there.”

Translating through his wife, Sylwia, Hoffman said: “The chair represents an uncomfortable seat, to encourage you to have empathy for the people who died in the Holocaust who are portrayed in the painting. You see their faces looking out from behind a barbed wire fence.” 

A lot of people loved Hoffman’s work, these enormous paintings, striking colours, contrasts and distinctive brush strokes, significantly impact on the viewer. 

This exhibition ‘Blue Line’ can be seen at Art Central gallery, King Square, Barry until Saturday February 25, 2012, opening Tuesdays to Saturdays, between 10am and 4pm.