Brian Clarke : A Great Light at Newport Street Gallery

art, exhibition

Newport Street Gallery front facade, Vauxhall south London

Discover the brilliance of Brian Clarke, an artist hailed as the contemporary stained glass virtuoso, as his remarkable creations take center stage at Newport Street Gallery, graciously hosted by Damien Hirst. From June 9, 2023, onwards, A Great Light, a tribute presented by HENI, will illuminate Clarke's 70th year with an exquisite array of works spanning from 2002 to the present day.

Stepping into this immersive spectacle, one witnesses the boundless versatility and expanse of stained glass as an artistic medium. The pièce de résistance, Ardath, stretches across a 42 m2 expanse, a breathtaking wall of mouth-blown glass casting the gallery in a radiant symphony of light and color. Here, meadow motifs emerge, weaving a rich and intricate tapestry into the etched glass.

Intriguingly, Stroud Ossuary stands tall, with hundreds of skulls, each meticulously etched, soaring some 10 meters above visitors, perched upon traditional lead lines. Yet, not all works speak in such grandeur. Clarke's recent Kabinettscheiben draw inspiration from his latest series of collages and drawings, offering an intimate encounter with his artistic evolution.

Journeying through the exhibition, visitors can explore a gallery adorned with vibrantly colored folding screens, a composition of countless patterns and hues. In contrast, larger, evocative leadworks evoke a contemplative atmosphere, inviting moments of reflection and introspection.

Venturing back in time to 2002, we find Clarke's large battleships and beach boys, a testament to his relentless exploration of technique and process. Triple-layered sheets of dot-matrix glass conjure translucent and transparent images of battleships, akin to distant mirages. This very process was masterfully employed in collaboration with the renowned Norman Foster and Partners for the Al Faisaliah Centre in Riyadh.

Across his illustrious five-decade career, Clarke has steadfastly pushed the boundaries of stained glass, both technologically and artistically. His vision for stained glass is intrinsically architectural, with his impactful works a product of unwavering reverence for the structures and surroundings they inhabit. His reputation, whether as a painter or an architectonic artist, rests on monumental installation projects worldwide, as well as on smaller-scale, autonomous masterpieces and international exhibitions showcasing his paintings and drawings.

As we reflect on Brian Clarke's remarkable journey through the medium of stained glass, it's awe-inspiring to witness how he has continuously redefined its potential. His ability to infuse life, color, and emotion into glass is truly captivating. We hope you get a chance to experience this extraordinary exhibition; it's bound to be a testament to the enduring power of artistic innovation. Enjoy!

Ardath, exhibition hall ground floor, Newport Street Gallery, Vauxhall, London

Stroud Ossuary, exhibition hall, Newport Street Gallery

09 JUN 2023 – 24 SEP 2023

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