Huw Alden Davies: The Last Valley
19 March - 28 May 2022
Set on the slope of the Great Mountain in the Gwendraeth Valley, Huw Alden Davies forthcoming multi-media exhibition draws our attention to a small ex-mining village called Y Tumbl. Exploring concepts such as cultural identity, sense of place, nostalgia, and technological determinism, ‘The Last Valley’, titled by its geographical position, as the furthermost part in line of twenty-one recorded valleys, and the last before the sea; brings together for the first time, a culmination of works produced over fourteen years, dedicated to a community that was once one of the most important centres of coal production in the world.
Attempting to expand the visual identity of Wales beyond its stereotypical archetypes, combining a selection of films and photographs take from projects including Y Tymbl, Prince, Carnifal, Y Broncs, and Xennial, this modern hyperlocal reflection celebrates the wonder of childhood, family, friendship and community, while providing a rare and detailed insight into one of Wales' lesser explored and historically rich communities.
Featured Maker: Siwan Medi Davies
Siwan Medi Davies
Siwan Medi Davies is a jeweller based in West Wales. A graduate of Carmarthen School of Art, her work explores ‘hiraeth’ and nostalgia within the context of narrative jewellery. Having grown up within a close farming community, her love of looking at nostalgic memories grew tremendously and has always been an important element in her work.
Her work references how we should value, reconnect and not break the thread that is the precious commodity of our ancestral history. Triggered by very personal experiences of living on a family farm, the work respects and values her roots and the connections with past generations, relationships and surroundings. Her aim is to evoke a collective experience of nostalgia, using familiar forms and ideas to invite curiosity and discussion. The linking of past experiences, relationships and memories, not only creates an emotional response but establishes an interest and empathy for one’s roots. The experience of creating and identifying personal stories.