A BARRY artist is going to go ‘between the lines’ when he holds an exhibition of that name in Cardiff Bay – starting in September.

Glyn Pooley will hold his Between The Lines exhibition at the PierHead Building, Cardiff Bay, from Friday, September 23 to Friday, October 21.

The artwork depicts more than 65 inspirational people from the South Wales community, having risen from its modest origins in Barry in 2011.

Former archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, Welsh Government first minister Carwyn Jones, Call Centre CEO Nev Wilshire, and civil and black rights campaigner Darcus Howe are featured.

Gibbonsdown residents board chairwoman Molly Conway, entertainer Stan Stennett, campaigner Dilys Colburne, professor baroness Finley of Llandaff - founder of Holm Towers hospice, Olympic athlete Steve Brace and historian, professor Deirdre Beddoe also join those portrayed.

Mr Pooley said: “Through art, Between the Lines celebrates the strength of community life in Wales and its links within the UK and beyond. It focuses on the contribution individuals make to achieve the community they wish to live in. It aims to give an insight into what motivates those people who actively contribute to the community and how their actions help and inspire others. From local builders, teachers, first responders, park rangers, politicians, grandmothers to ocean rowers and Tibetan Buddhist monks, the project aims to show how strong the Welsh community is, how it links with a global community, and to shine a light on who these people are and what they value.

“We encourage as many people as possible to come along to the exhibition to learn about their community and experience the messages shared by those who have taken part in the project so far.”

Mr Pooley began with series of portraits of people he met every day who he felt touched the community in some way or form.

Each person involved suggested another living person who they knew personally who they believed had made an outstanding contribution to the community at large, and was an inspiration in their lives.

Glyn sat and created an artwork with these people who then recommended someone else.

The process repeated itself creating a web of interactions which mapped community spirit. The aim was for the project to be as diverse and authentic as possible, being led by those taking part.

Pencil drawings, black and white film photographs and written statements contributed to a unique record of community life in Wales and the UK.

Each portrait is drawn from an individual sitting with the artist and a black and white silver gelatin photograph taken of each participant.

Each person was invited to write a short profile of their lives and offer a written message to the viewer.

The result was a dialogue between each individual sitter and the viewer. The multi-dimensional nature of the portraits revealed the often complex layers of individuals; their personal challenges, their strengths, their insights, and their determination to overcome adversity.

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