From Friday 16 September Blackwater Gallery launches the first solo exhibition by young artist Makenzy Beard. The collection showcases a body of new and as yet unreleased works from Makenzy.
Hailed as one of the most prodigious young artists to come out of the UK, Makenzy Beard has taken the art world by storm since her debut at the Royal Academy of Arts Young Artist’s Summer Show.
The then 13-year old from Swansea took to painting in her mothers studio during lockdown, with her exhibited painting of a family friend, John Tucker, receiving critical acclaim. The response on social media was incredible, with comments including ‘we may be experiencing the emergence of Wales’ greatest living artist’.
Since then Beard has continued her passion to paint her incredibly lifelike portraits. Her portrait of her grandfather, titled ‘Bernard Davies’ was featured on a BBC Wales Breakfast Special interview. A print of her painting titled ‘Towel Girl’ recently raised over £7000 for the people of Ukraine in a silent auction hosted by Blackwater Gallery.
Her work is now internationally recognised, with collectors from across the globe flocking to purchase her original pieces as soon as they are available.
Makenzy’s beautiful and powerful portraits develop through applying multiple layers of brilliant colour, giving incredible complexity to the hues of her paintings and skin tones of her subjects. Her detailed observations and considered composition combine to create stunning representations of the human face. Each piece exploring the nature of the individual, offering a glimpse into their life and history.
Blackwater Gallery is proud to announce this fist solo exhibition by Makenzy Beard. A collection of new works will be exhibited as well as Makenzy Beard herself in attendance for the opening evening to talk about her practice. This incredible new collection takes us on a journey with Makenzy, acquainting us with the experiences and people that have made an impact on her in recent months. Each piece offering a unique opportunity to observe memories brought to life on canvas through Makenzy’s eyes.
Following the opening evening, the exhibition will be available for public view from Wednesday 21st September until Friday 14th October. Opening times are Wednesday – Friday 9am-5pm. The exhibition is free to all and offers full accessibility