The work of Andy Banks is celebrated in a new exhibition which has opened in Batley.
Andy, a musician as well as a highly regarded artist, died suddenly earlier this year.
The exhibition, at Batley Art Gallery, was initiated by Andy’s friend and fellow artist Karen Stansfield with the full support of his family.
It showcases a wide range of Andy’s work including still life observations, mixed media studies and images created used kinetic drawing machines which the artist designed and constructed himself.
In February this year, Karen began the task of tracking down artwork for the exhibition and learning to use the kinetic drawing machines which Andy had created.
“Andy was a well-known and respected musician in the area, renowned for his incredible musical talent,” she said.
“While his ability to play many instruments was an amazing thing, I want to draw attention to the other aspects of his creativity. His visual art is powerful and wide ranging.”
Andy held a fascination with outer space which resulted in a series of delicate wood carvings and prints.
He also created a series of ink and wax mixed media sketches of famous landmarks whilst on an educational trip to Paris back in the 1990s, which will be showcased in the exhibition.
Karen has been supported in realising the project by many of Andy’s friends and family members, who have come forward to offer a combination of moral support, picture loans and practical help.
Damian Clark is working closely with Cyclone Systems, who have donated time to create the andybanks.org website.
Their aim is to build a site which brings together Andy’s music and visual art.
Damian Clark was in the band Ship of Fools with Andy and enjoyed years of musical collaborations and adventures with him. “Andy’s music and his visual art are intrinsically linked together”, says Damian.
The framing of the work has been completed by another fellow musician and friend of Andy’s, Adrian Burnham of BDL Framing, Huddersfield. “We have chosen a variety of framing materials from solid oak to Perspex to complement his work. “Andy worked with many materials and was a skilled maker, I am sure he would approve of the choices that we have made for his work.”
There will be a series of workshops and demonstrations running alongside the exhibition, including visits for local schools.
The exhibition runs until October 5 and entry is free. For further details contact Batley library on 01924 326021.
