An absolutely wonderful exhibition presented by Ink_d Gallery, on North Road, of Graham Carter’s “Alphamals” is family friendly and a highlight of this Fringe’s visual art category. For such a small space, the exhibition will keep you and your little ones captivated for a good long while as his prints and 3D sculptures present a lot to be marvelled at.
Taking the animal kingdom as his main point of focus, his illustrative style is both charming and highly technical and will put a smile on the face of even the most cynical among us.
Taking the animal kingdom as his main point of focus, his illustrative style is both charming and highly technical and will put a smile on the face of even the most cynical among us. The “Alphamals”, presented here in their entirety, are an alphabetical series of Giclee prints ranging from your typical “T” for “Tortoise” to the more obscure “Z” for “Zebra caterpillar”. They are cleverly executed, each with their own accompanying little scene to add a depth of layers to often very flat, 2D prints.
Yet, these are not just aimed at children, fitting as they would be in a nursery or child’s room, Carter’s attention to detail and the witty way in which he composes his prints are for adults and kids alike and add a much needed touch of colour this gloomy May forecast.
A particular highpoint, which the gallery have cleverly hung by the door as an introduction to the prints are his 3D framed wooden sculptures. Straddling the line between sculpture and image, Carter presents what at first seems like a flat 2D picture but upon further inspection, actually has multiple and very physical layers, intricately cut out of wood to add depth to these wall hanging pieces, much as the description suggests: a sculpture in a frame.
Strolling further along the gallery wall are two little glass domes displaying “Old Man Sticky” and the “Mardy Starfish”. These little clay sculptures present cartoon-esque figures from the animal kingdom with human-like qualities and Carter’s signature well-polished attention to detail. Brining his illustrations to life in such a way not only adds variety to this display of his work but really does bring out the child in you, inciting fond memories of Aardman classics and the comforts of home.
Modestly priced, it is difficult to walk out of the gallery without making a purchase but as the red dots begin to mount it is recommended that you pay them a visit soon.
