Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery: Landscapes of Loss and Legacy, Phil Whiting

This is a small ongoing exhibition.

Phil Whiting is an artist that looks at the consequences of conflict, change and loss and is best known for works that depict industry in decline.  He lived and worked in west Cornwall for many years and the industrial landscapes of Cornwall inspired many pieces.  He was not limited to Cornwall however with works exploring Flanders, Ground Zero and Auschwitz-Birkenau.  

This exhibition consists of four works in a small corridor area.  I am not sure why I have not written about them before, because I stop and admire them every time I visit.  This industrial Cornwall is familiar to me and one I love, warts and all.  

These paintings are dark and foreboding and very textural.  The palette is limited.  In smaller pictures, many details are suggested blurs in a gloomy dark landscape with glowering skies.  One painting is very large and depicts Geevor.  The paint is layered on and worked in a very physical way.  I always want to touch this painting, because its texture is so definite and real.

I appreciate that these works may not be to everyone's taste!  I think relatability is important in deciding what art we personally like.  I am sure many tourists to Cornwall for instance, would relate far less to this landscape, because it is not their Cornwall.  I think it's good for them to see this art, because it is another side of this beautiful county.

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