Leading artists unveil limited edition prints in aid of arts centre

Four internationally renowned artists have unveiled a series of limited edition prints in aid of Chapter Arts Centre.

Super Furry Animals and Magic Numbers album cover artist Pete Fowler and Oscar- nominated animator Joanna Quinn along with James Aldridge and Heather and Ivan Morison have donated an edition of original prints to be sold in support of the redevelopment project.

Each print will be part of a limited edition of 100, signed and numbered by the artist with each one costing £100.

The sale of the prints is the latest fundraising initiative to help Chapter raise funds for its £3.8 million redevelopment programme which it is currently undergoing. The redevelopment will make the centre more accessible to visitors and improve and build on the facilities that are already in place.

Hannah Firth, Chapter’s head of visual arts, said: “I’m really delighted that four of the UK’s leading artists have given so generously to our redevelopment. The four limited edition prints give supporters the chance to own both a unique piece of art and to invest in Chapter’s future.

“All of our artists have a long history of involvement with us. I was overwhelmed with their enthusiasm for the project and their willingness to come aboard, which is a real reflection on the positive experiences they’ve had here.

“As well as helping Chapter, buyers will also be making a really good investment for themselves and in work of the artists involved.”

The work of each artist is very different and they will appeal to a wide-range of art-lovers.

Pete Fowler has recreated his striking painting that covered the whole of one wall of Chapter’s bar in November 2007. Known for the weird and magical creatures from his world of Monsterism Island, Fowler’s wide range of work includes record sleeves for Super Furry Animals and Magic Numbers.

On talking about Chapter, Pete said: “My professional relationship started with Chapter last year when I created the artwork to be displayed on the wall of its bar. Owing to the amount of interest that arose from the piece, it seemed only natural to recreate the piece as a print.

“The piece was influenced by my interests at the time, which were nature, owls and psychedelia. I’ve called it Mabinogism because, even though when creating it I didn’t draw directly on the Welsh literary heritage of the Mabinogion, I came to realise afterwards that it does reflect some of its themes.

“Chapter is a fantastic space in the heart of the community. Its redevelopment programme is essential to keep it going for future generations, and it is great to be able to support it by creating a piece of work that already has strong connections with the arts centre.”

James Aldridge had a major exhibition at Chapter in 2005 and has recently completed a new work for the restaurant at Tate Modern. He is known for his fantastical paintings that embrace the symbols and imagery of good and evil, folklore, and the beauty and strength of nature.

Heather & Ivan Morison’s work examines the extraordinary beauty and detail of the natural world. In 2007 the Morisons represented Wales at the Venice Biennale of Art and were part of the subsequent touring exhibition presented at Chapter during Spring 2008. They are currently developing a major new work for Chapter which will form a major part of its off-site programme in 2009.

Double Oscar-nominated Joanna Quinn is one of Britain’s most distinctive and critically acclaimed animators. Her infamous, larger-than-life heroine Beryl is featured in her artwork for Chapter which is drawn from her latest multi-award-winning film, Dreams and Desires - Family Ties. Joanna is based at Chapter.

Joanna Quinn said: “Having been a tenant at Chapter for the last 12 years, I was really pleased when they asked me to contribute a limited edition print.

“As an animator, it is a real treat to see my drawings as a piece of art as they are normally only revealed as a moving image that passes in a second.

“The piece that I have created is an original piece of work, with characters and themes taken from my most recent film, Dreams and Desires, including the infamous Beryl.

“I’m proud to be a part of Chapter. It’s a unique place, where the public can come and enjoy cinema, theatre and art as well as a working building for many talented artists and designers.”

Chapter’s director, Janek Alexander, said: “Chapter is for everyone to enjoy, both artists and audiences benefit from what we do. We want future generations to continue to experience the opportunities and facilities here and through buying one or more of these wonderful prints people can help safeguard Chapter’s future as we set about improving our facilities.”

All editions have been produced by a local specialist, The Dot Foundry and are printed on Hahnemuhle papers, which are internationally recognised as the gold standard for fine art papers.

Chapter will stay open throughout the building work presenting a full programme during the year both on and off-site. As well as the limited edition prints people can help support the fundraising programme by adopting a brick, seat or even a builder.

For more information about Chapter, and to support the redevelopment campaign, visit www.chapter.org or contact Elaina Gray at Chapter at elain.gray@chapter.org or on 029 2035 5662.