The Magic Theatre exhibition comes to The Gallery at NUCA

As part of its winter season at the Gallery at NUCA, the University College is delighted to present The Magic Theatre, an exhibition of works by the 'Time and Being' collective and other invited illustrators and graphic artists, including Glyn Brewerton, Course Leader BA Illustration at NUCA and Rachel Gannon, Illustration Lecturer at Norwich University College of the Arts.

Rooted in the traditions of imaginative drawing and image-making, the group and its international guests all share a passion for picture making in its broadest sense and utilise many forms of expression from images to prose. Much of the work is based around visual storytelling and is without a linear narrative or literary or literal text - the images often therefore, evoke an element of ambiguity.

The varied works in this touring show are a mixture of personal and interpretative responses to the myriad themes of myth, magic, habitat and landscape in all its forms. Works include Quentin Blake's unpublished personal drawing 'Women with Creature', Audrey Niffeneggers haunting images and new works by graphic designer, author and critic Jessica Helfands.

Human beings are frequently receptive abstract visual images; light, form and colour create contribute to a sense of 'atmosphere' and prompt the senses towards recollections of past experience.

The spirit of the exhibition is perhaps best evoked by the following verse from the Four Quartets by T.S. Elliot:
'We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place as if for the first time.'

Self expression through drawing and photography allows the pictorial translation of often transient passing ideas and concepts and elusive feelings. Understanding and trusting our own perceptions intuitively is a key element to making work that is not too self conscious or 'fashioned'.

Visitor information:

The Magic Theatre
Tuesday 14th February – Saturday 25th February
Open 12 – 5pm (closed Sunday and Monday)
Exhibition open to the public, admission free.