Biography
My people have something to tell you. They are the outcast, institutionalised, poor, hapless and sometimes cruel residents of the farms, towns and valleys of Wales. Places blackened by smoke, sin, hypocrisy and despair. For one fleeting moment their true feelings are captured.
Gallery Shows 2016:
'1868' Solo show at Redhouse Cymru, Merthyr Tydfil, 2nd July to 27th August 2016.
Enillwr Gwobr Ifor Davies, Y Lle Celf, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol 2012.
Awarded the Ifor Davies Award, National Eisteddfod 2012.
First Prize at Y Galeri Open Art Exhibition February 2014.
@upsetvictorians on Twitter.
Exhibitions
2016
'Notorious- Drwg-Enwog' Solo show at Oriel Myrddin Gallery Carmarthen, Jan 9th- March 12th.
2015
'When the Dark Comes' Solo show at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, May 22nd - June 14th.
'Dark Valleys' solo show at y Galeri, Caerphilly, 10th February - 7th March.
2014
"God Forgive Us' Installation at William Foy Cell, Redhouse Cymru, Merthyr Tydfil. 31st November- 30th April 2015.
Fotofringe. Cardiff M.A.D.E. and Abacus Cardiff. May-November.
Colony 14 Cardigan, Teifi Wharf. August- September.
'Born of Pain & Iron' Solo show at Penarth Pier Pavilion. April - May.
'Taken Down' Interactive sound and painting installation in the Victorian William Foy Cell at Redhouse Cymru, Merthyr Tydfil. St David's Day 2014.
'Salvation' awarded 1st Prize at Y Galeri Open Art Show in Caerphilly.
2013
'Everything Felt Right' awarded 'Highly Commended' at the Rhondda Heritage Park Open Art Exhibition.
2012
'John Thomas', 'Alice John', & 'Jacob Morgan' Triptych awarded the Ifor Davies Award at the National Eisteddfod, Vale of Glamorgan.
Exhibition catalogue link is here.
'Mrs Jones' awarded 'Highly Commended' at the Rhondda Heritage Park Open Art exhibition.
2011
'Pillars of Sion' exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art Cymru, Machynlleth for the Wales Open Art Exhibition.
'Pontypridd Union Workhouse' awarded a Judges Commendation at the Rhondda Heritage Park Open Art Exhibition.
'Morris' also exhibited at Rhondda Heritage Park Open Art Exhibition and got a bit sadder as he didn't get awarded anything.
2010
'My People' exhibited at the Rhondda Heritage Park Open Art Exhibition. Taken home by a mysterious couple from Edinburgh.
2009
There was nothing, no paintings at all...
I started painting my people six years ago and they won't let me stop.
All works are in oils and use a very, very tiny brush. Most are 14.8cm by 21cm, backed onto black gold edged card and framed on red velvet in a black leaf frame.
All stories that go with each painting are my own and owe a debt to the late great Caradoc Evans and Gwyn Thomas.
All images and stories are copyright Anthony Rhys 2016 and must not be reproduced without permission.
I occasionally have work for sale- please see the individual painting description and use the contact form.