IT’S well worth a trip over to Halifax to see the latest range of exhibitions at the Dean Clough Galleries.
In the main Crossley Gallery, there’s a retrospective of the work of Alan Gummerson, of Colden, near Hebden Bridge.
Variety is the keynote here, along with a sense of fun, particularly with his amazing vehicles and aircraft, constructed from all sorts of bric-a-brac.
The show (running till May 10) includes dresses in printed textiles, a crucifixion in the form of an aircraft, small bronze figures, ceramic plaques and jars, and an entertaining range of nudes.
Gummerson’s imagination apparently knows no bounds.
Exhibition curator Doug Binder says: “I believe Gummerson’s show to be the most exhilarating display that we have mounted at Dean Clough for quite some time.
“It constitutes a re-affirmation of the positive in a time of downturn.
“To begin with, the works makes us smile – the inventiveness, variety and sheer energy that has gone into the work is simply breathtaking.
“His joie de vivre is humbling.”
In the cafe area, the photography of Andrew Cowton (on show until April 23) makes a fine impression.
Calderdale and Deep Snow from Blackley is one of six excellent panoramic views and the black and white treatment suits the brooding skies.
We see the summit of Blencartha in the Lake District and there’s a particularly impressive picture of climbing in the mountains.
“Whether it be the majesty of the Alps, the romantic beauty of both Scotland and the Lake District or the familiarity of my native Calderdale, I’m in continual awe of what nature has to offer by way of inspiration,” says the photographer.
“Landscape is my canvas and the camera my paint.”
Ali White, from Huddersfield, makes a very different photographic contribution.
One of his efforts is a commission for the Verve cafe in Huddersfield on a musical theme while another is of the Lawrence Batley Theatre.
In each case, the image is made up of dozens of boxes, with photographs round all four sides.
The results are impressive – this is something really different.
