Arundel Contemporary

Arundel Contemporary is delighted to present Journey Into Colour, an exhibition showcasing works by two gallery artists, Belgian abstract painter Koen Lybaert and British ceramicist Tanya Gomez.

During his visit to the UK for his Abstract Nature exhibition at the gallery in 2019, Koen Lybaert took inspiration from his walks on the hills surrounding Arundel, as well as other places in Sussex. He has now created a collection of works reflecting many of the locations he went to, and we are pleased to present these works together with his other works produced at his studio in Belgium.

WHAT COLOUR MEANS TO ME BY TANYA GOMEZ

The effects that colour has on our emotions is so personal. For me, bright colours bring warmth and joy to my visual surroundings. Regardless of the coulour, it must have a sense of depth and vibrancy that is alive.

My inspirations come from the Romantic era and dramatic sublime sea paintings: Turner, Whistler. The collages of Joseph Albers also come to mind. Whether it be in the placing of colours within a painting or collage to creating installations that represent a landscape of different colours together, the interaction of colours and space inspires me.

Colours often have meaning as well and I use them to express that. For example, yellow is a symbol that the Chinese use for happiness, glory and wisdom. It also represents the pulsating life of the sun.

I spent over five years at sea and my time there gave me an insight into the immense mass of colour and light that is ever changing on the horizon. Hours were spent observing the wide and vast landscape, one that creates depth within the water. I try and relate this within my glazes.

In my work, the most important thing is that the pieces have life and spirit, both in surface and in form, something that is resonant and timeless.