From the Guardian · · 2m
Kyffin Williams' Welsh landscapes come alive
The National Library of Wales animates hundreds of paintings by one of the country's most important artists, bringing his rugged landscapes to new audiences.
In brief
The National Library of Wales animates hundreds of paintings by one of the country's most important artists, bringing his rugged landscapes to new audiences. The National Library of Wales opens a free immersive exhibition of Sir Kyffin Williams' work, animating his paintings and setting them to music to reach younger…
Wales's most important artist gets immersive treatment
Sir Kyffin Williams, known for thickly painted Welsh landscapes, joins Van Gogh and Hockney in having his work animated and set to music for new audiences.
The library holds the world's largest collection
When Williams died in two thousand six, he left his estate to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.
The library's connection goes back decades
The National Library of Wales bought an oil painting of Cadair Idris from Williams in nineteen fifty for fifteen pounds when he was teaching art in London.
Curator explains Williams' cultural significance
Morfudd Bevan, art curator at the library, said Williams' work romanticised Wales and encapsulated the meaning of the country and the idea of hiraeth, a Welsh word meaning something like a feeling of homesickness for…
“His work romanticised Wales, encapsulated the meaning of the country and the idea of hiraeth.”
The show brings paintings out of storage
Hundreds of Williams' paintings are held in a storeroom where visitors can make appointments to view them.
Designers faced pressure to preserve his style
Dennis Outten, chief executive of Focal Studios, said the challenge was projecting Williams' landscapes without losing texture. The team spent months with the paintings working out how to convey his bold palette knife work.
“You want to be true to his life, his work, his methods.”
The exhibition opens free to the public
The Profiad Kyffin Experience opens on Wednesday eighteen November. It is smaller and more intimate than Van Gogh and Hockney shows, allowing only ten people in at a time, and admission is free.
The show will stay for three to five years
The exhibition will remain at the National Library of Wales for three to five years. Advance booking is highly recommended for visitors wanting to experience the animated landscapes and music.
The main idea
The National Library of Wales opens a free immersive exhibition of Sir Kyffin Williams' work, animating his paintings and setting them to music to reach younger audiences.
