Artists explore ‘Dark to Light’ in new Barry exhibition

A group of painters and sculptors are coming together for Dark to Light, an exhibition at Art Central Gallery in Barry until 9th January 2027.

Curated by Heather Eastes and Alan Salisbury, the exhibition brings together 11 artists whose work responds to the theme of darkness and light in different ways.

The idea for the exhibition emerged from a conversation between Eastes and Salisbury about the contrasting approaches to their own work.

Eastes’ images and figurative work emerge from light and a silver, ephemeral background, while Salisbury’s work emerges from within a largely dark or black arena.

The pair initially considered exhibiting together under the title Dark to Light, before developing the idea into a wider curated exhibition involving other artists.

The theme is deliberately open-ended, allowing the participating artists to explore different interpretations of darkness and light.

These include darkness and light as emotional states, with references to grief, depression, pessimism and optimism, as well as exhilarating moments.

The exhibition also considers the ways in which artists have attempted to represent the intangible and ephemeral qualities of darkness and light throughout art history.

For artists working in three dimensions or installation, the concepts can also be interpreted through ideas of heaviness and lightness.

Eastes and Salisbury said the open-ended nature of Dark to Light provides ample opportunity for individual and creative responses, with the exhibition likely to generate ideas and debate around contemporary visual practice.

Artists taking part are Heather Eastes, Alan Salisbury, Susan Adams, Jo Berry, Jean Francis, Robert Harding, Pamela Jones, Chris Nurse, Philippa Robbins, Philip Watkins and Frances Woodley.