A riot of colour will welcome you at the A.K.A. Stanly’s Solo Exhibition at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre during the month of August. The paintings by A.K.A. Stanly will take you on a journey of the Pembrokeshire coast, its flora and fauna, in splashes of deliciously thick colour.

Mark Stanmore (A.K.A. Stanly) grew up in Pembrokeshire and developed a synesthetic relationship with the sights, sounds and smells of the wild west of Wales. He started drawing at a young age and later found his passion in painting. He then went on to study Art and Design at Foundation level, later to graduate with a B.A. (Hons) in Documentary Photography, from the University of Wales, Newport. However, his real creative love, is painting.

The artist’s reactions to the details of the coast come from deep within him and his perception of the majestic wilds of Pembrokeshire. The aesthetic qualities of these paintings reflect the Japanese idea of Wabi Sabi; the appreciation of imperfection and flawed beauty. By leaving some of the canvas exposed or letting the underpainting show through in places, the artist is trying to share all the processes of his art with his audience. Using this concept his aim is to step away from traditional methods of conventional art, communicating the artist’s belief that art should be more accessible and inclusive to audiences.

Audiences are welcome to view Mark’s work between Tuesday 1 August and Wednesday 30 2023 at the Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre, Milford Haven. The Opening Night of the Solo Exhibition will be on 4 August from 6pm to 8pm and Mark extends a warm welcome to all.