Ricblog

Andy Leyland is a work friend of mine at Blackwell’s. We have known each other for 12 years and even though we are politically at odds with each other, i’ve always respected his knowledge and intelligence. Andy currently has an art exhibition at the Arison Gallery in Chorlton, Manchester. And I briefly attended the opening private view, which took place last night. I’ve never had a good knowledge of art, but in many ways this might make me the ideal person to view and discuss art, without an preconceptions as to what i’m ’supposed’ to be seeing. I’ll be honest, Andy’s work is not my cup of tea at all, and there was only one painting I really warmed to. The painting in question was a scene of woodland with a striking red coated figure walking into the foreground. Titled ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and nothing like his usual sombre work, it stood out from the others like a sore thumb. Maybe that’s why I liked it. Leyland’s work has often had dark undertones and maybe that’s why I find it so hard to relate to the art that he does. He is however a very talented artist, but I couldn’t help noticing the drop in quality when comparing this exhibition to the one I attended in 2003. I felt that several paintings seemed rushed or almost half hearted. In some cases I failed to conjure up any emotion when looking at some of his most recent work. This is just one opinion, and I would certainly encourage everyone to go down to the Arison Gallery to make their own judgements. I’m sure there will be at least one painting that will grab your attention. Or in the case of ‘The Dying Insect’ make you feel a little uneasy. Andy Leyland’s work continues to challenge, and that, in my opinion, is the most important element of art.