On Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th of May I worked with photographer Mohamed Hassan to deliver photography workshops for the community of Carmarthenshire at Criwdem Celf in Carmarthen, a new artist-led space on King Street and The Creative Space, a multi-purpose community arts space based in North Dock, Llanelli. Since March, Mohamed has been creating new work for Oriel Myrddin through a project called Threads of Belonging, which looks at the interwoven nature of identity and belonging in contemporary Wales. The final outcomes of the project will be permanently exhibited in the new gallery when it reopens in the Autumn. Through the workshops there was a chance for Mohamed to explore these ideas in a collaborative environment, with individuals from Carmarthenshire where together we shared the learnings of storytelling in photography to deepen and connect with visual narratives.  

We are delighted to share that photographer Mohamed Hassan has been selected to create new work that will have a permanent home in Oriel Myrddin Gallery, upon reopening this autumn. Ahead of Mohamed beginning work on his commission, Threads of Belonging, we caught up with him to talk about his journey into photography, his creative process, and what he hopes to explore through this project.

We’re delighted to welcome Abby Poulson to the Oriel Myrddin Gallery team! Abby is an accomplished photographer, with a passion for connecting with communities and exploring the landscapes of Wales. Having worked with us previously on Criw Celf, Abby brings creativity, experience, and enthusiasm to her new role in community outreach.

Oriel Myrddin is undergoing a huge transformation, and we’re excited to announce a commission opportunity specifically for global majority* artists.

We’re inviting proposals for a new visual artwork in any medium that celebrates the contributions of global majority people in Wales, recognising their impact on the nation’s history, culture, and identity.

OM is seeking a suitable candidate to work as an Engagement Curator on a unique two-year programme for the visual arts and heritage sector in Wales.

As an emerging artist, my journey through the i fyny programme felt like navigating a river of creativity with its gentle streams and turbulent rapids.

i fyny: Mentorship

As part of the I Fyny journey we each received three sessions with a mentor. They helped us with ideas and grounding our artistic practices alongside our Wednesday sessions of developing our professional practices. Something which I really wanted to develop in my practice is this idea of how painting can be translated through a sculptural lens. This is why I was excited to have Lisa Evans as a mentor. She is the head of Sculpture at Carmarthen School of Art and has a wealth of knowledge in casting, specifically iron pouring. Through our three sessions we explored casting, projects, and plans for the future.

Merry Christmas from OM

Big news!!

2021…What a year!

Our Community Art Co-ordinator Emily Laurens, offers up her thoughts on this years Turner Prize

‘I’ve always thought that our homes are so important for our wellbeing and after spending far more time at home it now feels even more important to surround ourselves with beautiful things.’ Dorian Bowen