Norwich 20 Group (N20G) returns to the atrium of The Forum, Norwich for its spring show, Looking into 20, from Monday 14 May to Thursday 24 May 2012. This exhibition of new work by more than 50 artists, whose ages range from early 20s to early 80s, features all aspects of contemporary fine art, notably sculpture, print, photography and painting. The show is open daily 9am to 5pm, free entry, www.norwich20group.co.uk.
Louis de Bernières, author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and The Partisan’s Daughter will officially open the exhibition at an evening reception, 6.30pm on 14 May 2012.
Martin Battye, Chairman Norwich 20 Group said: “From our early years in pubs around the city, the group has combined lively discussion of the arts with an energetic programme of exhibiting both within the county borders and without. As we approach our 70th year it’s difficult to ignore the fact that some members have arrived there first. What gives so much life to the group is that many members are producing the freshest, most dynamic work to be seen.”
“At the other end of the spectrum we have the challenges of youth, and it would no doubt have given pleasure to that great stalwart of N20G, Mary Newcomb, to see her grandson exhibiting as a member.”
“The occasion of this show has been shadowed by the death, in April, of Keith Pomeroy. With his work growing in stature and authority, it is an added sadness to be deprived of following the progress that he was undoubtedly going to make.”
N20G is also taking part in the Bury St Edmunds Festival, with an exhibition on the theme Festival at The Apex Gallery, from Wednesday 16 May to Saturday 28 July 2012, 10am to 5pm daily.
N20G was formed in 1944 comprising professional artists from the Norwich School of Art and Design (now Norwich University College of the Arts – NUCA). The group is no longer limited to 20 and has more than 70 members, several of whom exhibit regularly in the West End and abroad.
Over the years the membership has included nationally known artists, for example, Bernard Reynolds and Jeffrey Camp. Colin Self has taken an active role, as have numerous art historians and architects. Mary Newcomb, one of Britain’s best loved artists, famous for her visionary ruralist paintings, who died in 2008, was a member of N20G for many years. Her work often sold at exhibitions for around £20. It now changes hands for five figure sums. Current N20G members include Andy Campbell, David Holgate, Ros Newman, Vanessa Pooley and Laurie Rudling.
image: Cow Tower, Norwich 2011, oil on canvas, David Jones
