The Cut Cast Quartet to showcase new original work at new ‘To Let’ gallery

A new exhibition of contemporary art is to go on display next week in Derry-Londonderry at a specially created gallery space in William Street.

The exhibition is being presented as part of the UK City of Culture 2013′s visual arts programme, and features the work of The Cut Cast Quartet, a group of well known local artists based in Derry & Donegal. The art work will remain on show at ‘The To Let Gallery’ from November 22 until December 20.

The Quartet, comprised of George Doherty, Philip McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin and Jes McSparron whom all hail from the North West, are presenting a diverse collection of abstract and figurative works of contemporary art in the media of Sculpture, Painting & Photography.

As Philip McFadden explained their work acknowledges and pays homage to a diverse range of artistic practice from down through the ages ranging from ancient Egyptian civilization to 20th Century Europe and America,

“We decided on this space here on the corner of William Street and Rosville Street, as it used to be used by the Bogside Artists, it has a great many historic links and it’s right at the heart of the community. We came up with the name as collectively we are all artists who work in sculpture, but we all work in different materials – so hence the reference to cutting and casting.

“Our work as a collection is quite diverse as we craft in different materials. For example Jes McSparron works primarily in wood using chainsaws, and some of his pieces are almost furniture like in appearance, while George Doherty produces large colourful fibre glass pieces. Kevin McLaughlin will be presenting a series of photographs taken in various locations around the globe.

“I myself work primarily in bronze. I remember thirty years ago a gallery owner in Dublin telling me that I should switch materials as bronze is more commercial – at the time I was producing mainly large scale fibre glass sculptures. He recommended that I begin to work in smaller bronze pieces, and gradually over time I have found myself working in that direction. “I’m exhibiting a piece which features a collection of bronze heads which I originally showed as part of an exhibition called ‘Gold’ which looked at the value society places on gold.”

Philip hopes that the new gallery will make the work more accessible to people in the community who wouldn’t usually visit such exhibitions.

“I’m delighted we were able to showcase our work in such a central location, I feel very strongly as an artist that art shouldn’t be about the 1% of people who regularly visit galleries,” he stressed.

“It should be accessible and open to everyone, and I think this exhibition has something to offer everyone. It’s also timely because of the Turner 2013 Exhibition being held here in Derry. I think it’s had an impact on the visual arts throughout the city, with more local people and visitors taking the opportunity to access other local galleries as well.”

Entry to The To Let Gallery (located on the corner of Rossville Street and William Street) is free and the exhibition will run from Friday 22nd November to December 20th.
The exhibition will be officially opened by Noelle Mc Alinden Arts in Education Adviser Culture Company 2013 LTD on the evening of the 22nd at 7.00pm. All Welcome.