Young Welsh Artists contribute to National Art Collection

Two artworks from the ground-breaking ‘Young Welsh Artists’ exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in Machynlleth are the latest additions to the National Art Collection at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

In partnership with MOMA, the library plans to purchase such works of art annually to support this very important exhibition and the careers of young Welsh artists.

‘A Search for a Contemporary Figure IV’ by Tomos Sparnon and ‘I Use(d) to Hurt Myself’ by Jasmine Sheckleford are powerful pieces from the new annual exhibition at MOMA.

Launched last November, the exhibition was curated by Mari Elin Jones and Lloyd Roderick and showcases the work of artists under the age of 30 working in Wales.

Tomos Sparnon’s mixed media on canvas explores what it is to be human, reflecting on the conflict between what is visible and invisible, while Jasmine Sheckleford’s work, which uses a cyanotype on paper, looks at themes relating to mental health, identity and family.

Pedr ap Llwyd, the library’s chief executive and librarian, said: “We are constantly growing and developing our collections and this work has continued during the pandemic.

“We are delighted to be adding these exciting and valuable works to the National Art Collection, ensuring that our collections are as contemporary as possible. It is vitally important that the library’s collections continually evolve in order to reflect a current and dynamic Wales and its diverse individuals. What better way to do so that than by supporting young artists.”

Emily Bartlett, MOMA’s managing director, said: “We are delighted that the National Library of Wales shares our vision for supporting and recognising the valuable work being created by young artists in Wales, as indeed we are now that these two exciting and remarkable works will become part of the National Art Collection.

“We look forward to working with colleagues at the national library to further develop this partnership, and its support for young Welsh artists, in future years.”

Morfudd Bevan, the library’s art curator, said: “This ground-breaking exhibition provides essential support for young Welsh artists at the outset of their careers. We are therefore extremely proud to be able to support the exhibition and the artists by annually purchasing works of art from the show into the library’s National Art Collection.”