This is Somerset --The act of 'suppression' is ever present in our society: from the very intimate, internal even, to the public political structure through which we live our lives.
Suppression, a collection of wroks by the artist Mark Carr, is a site specific exhibition coming to Frome's Rook Lane Chapel which invites the viewer to explore and question the idea of suppression, by bringing their own personal story and viewpoint to the work, then allowing it to take them on a journey of discovery.
The venue consists of two very distinct and different spaces: the beautifully restored early 18th century chapel and the very modern gallery space to the rear.
Each resonates with their own ambience: the chapel reverberating with history, politics and religion, in contrast to the gallery which is modern, intimate and clean.
Multidisciplinary artist Mark Carr has created two very distinct sets of work, each with an accompanying video projection.
Mark said: "The chapel houses a large triptych of paintings, nine accompanying woodcuts and a video projection.
"The work in this room contains undeniable political, social and religious references, all held together with a nuance of humour.
"Here, the historical and visual influences of Hogarth, Goya and the 17th and 18th century Pamphleteers on my work are evident and clear.
"However, more subtle references to the murals of Diego Rivera and the humour in the 'post pop-art' work of Philip Guston should also be mentioned.
"The work housed in the gallery, three acrylic paintings on canvas and a video projection, is a very intimate and personal portrayal of my own experience of suppression.
"Visually they are stark and have direct pictorial links to the work of Frances Bacon and the Viennese Secession artists.
"Finally, artists such as Elizabeth Price (2012 Turner prize winner) have brought video art back to the forefront of contemporary fine art.
"For me, an important move, as this genre of work is often overlooked; a strange phenomenon considering the moving image plays such an integral part in our modern world.
"I therefore would ask visitors to view the video work included in the exhibition, as an integral part of the 'Artwork'."
"Like many of us, from an early age I have felt a need to be creative in one form or another and to pass on this expression to others.
"Over the years this has manifested itself in a variety of ways in the work I've produced, embracing an assortment of disciplines appropriate to the task.
"Since graduating in 1984, travel, and the people and cultures I encountered along the way, have always had an important part to play in informing my practice.
"Further, the periods living and working in Europe, North America, India and Australasia are central to adding to the personal narrative that goes into making the work.
"And though not always easy to pin down, it's this personal story which has been the key in developing a multi-faceted way of working; from paint through writing to music and the moving image, this has been and remains essential in developing a means by which to convey this journey through life.
"To add something to the world in some small way is something we are all capable of, and I feel privileged thus far to have been able to pass on just a little of my experience through the work I've produced and the many activities I have been involved in.
"From teaching young children, to working with the over 65s recovering from mental ill health, I have always strived to put 'art' at the centre as a driving creative idea, with the hope that this might in some way temper the relentless pursuit for 'more' so prevalent in contemporary society."
Suppression is at the Rook Lane Chapel in Frome, from Friday, September 6 until Saturday, September 14.
Admission is free. Reported by This is 4 hours ago.