NEWI art graduate gets recognised

23 August 2006

A year after completing his degree at NEWI’s North Wales School of Art and Design Kevin Hunt couldn’t be busier.  The artist has spent the last twelve months working hard, exhibiting up and down the country and settling in to his new studio.

Since leaving NEWI life has clearly been packed with opportunities for this talented artist and as well as finding the time to exhibit at Young Wales VII, at the Cambrian Academy in Conwy, he has also undertaken an artist’s residency at a Liverpool junior school.

Kevin’s latest news is that a piece of his work has been selected for the revolutionary Sense & Sensuality art exhibition taking place at Bankside Gallery in London from 14th September-8th October.  The exhibition has been organised by pioneering charity BlindArt and will encourage visitors to get ‘hands on’ with the artwork on display. 

Kevin is absolutely thrilled to have his artwork selected for such a prestigious and groundbreaking exhibition.  Work was submitted by over 600 artists so to be chosen is a massive achievement.  He said, “I am really excited that my work is being recognised nationally.  It is also really great to work with a charity like BlindArt and helping them to promote innovative artwork that can be enjoyed equally by both a sighted and visually impaired audience.  I really support what BlindArt stands for and believe in the importance of contemporary art being explored through different senses.  I like to think that my work has multi-sensory qualities and believe that is why this piece in particular was chosen by the judges. “

The piece to be exhibited is one which Kevin created during his time at NEWI and is entitled ‘Are you sitting comfortably?’  The exhibit is an old armchair which has been completely reupholstered with soft toys, it can be sat upon and responds with a giggle or a growl.  

Kevin is currently showing new work at Surface, an exhibition at the Oriel Davies in Newtown which is put together by a group of young curators.  Kevin is one of 26 artists whose work has been selected from over 90 submissions by emerging artists from Wales and the borderlands.  The exhibition runs until 30th September.