Editor’s Choice: Art Exhibition at The Shed

 By Greg Stephenson - Culture Writer

FORMER Swansea student David Toft has teamed up with The Shed Gallery in Uplands to exhibit a wide range of work from five local artists. The exhibition is running from the 5th December to the end of term, and offers a great opportunity to explore the vibrant Swansea art scene. The main draw is local graffiti and urban artist Birdie, showcasing work that is sure to appeal to fans of Banksy. Cows, festivals, and eyeballs are some of the many subjects of his street art. Rhys Jenkins is a current student at the Swansea Metropolitan, and has created an intriguing piece inspired by the ubiquitous healthy eating maxim ‘5-a-day’. Oil painter Olivia Dunn focuses on beach scenes, taking inspiration from the landscapes of the Gower. There is also some of Ben Wyeth’s travel photography on display, perfect for those who have forgotten the world beyond Campus, Uplands, and Wind Street. Elin Jones is exhibiting the final and most mysterious piece and all The Waterfront has discovered so far is that her work focuses on ‘buttons’. Much of the work will be on sale, starting from a relatively student-friendly £10.

        With The Shed’s commitment to offering a cheap opportunity for artists to display their work, Mr. Toft’s plans for further exhibitions (some hopefully involving the work of Swansea students), and the recent formation of the university’s Art Society, it is a lively time for Swansea’s art scene. Despite the university having no art department, those with an interest in the subject are now being presented with an increasing number of ways to appreciate local art, and to get involved themselves. Next term, the Art Society’s proposed first exhibition will be another opportunity. The Shed, part of The Garage music venue, which doubles as a quirky coffee shop, offers ten percent student discount, plenty of good value food and drink, free wi-fi, and is well worth checking out. But be sure not to miss the eclectic work on display at this fortnight’s exhibition while you’re there.