Tower and Town, July 2019

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Arts Review

This is the second successful collaborative exhibition we have had at The White Horse Gallery. This month showcases work by painter Benedict Rubbra, and potter Tessa Rubbra. Married in 1964, Benedict and Tessa set up home in Devon, and it was here Benedict built his gallery and studio where exhibitions of his commissioned portraits and experimental work took place every two years.

Benedict's paintings are inspired by the early Italian Renaissance artists. He states, ‘the work of Fra Angelico, Donatello and Brunelleschi embodies a perfect balance between control and freedom of expression.? Three-dimensional forms, chaotic creativity and acute observations of the forms (often animated with projected light) are descriptions of the paintings in the words of the artist himself. Indeed, walking into the gallery, the first oil painting we see is On Entering the Cathedral in Pienza. Four brilliant beams of light cut through the centre of this painting, projecting a radiant, luminous, animated glow. Are these beaming rays just Italian sunlight, or do they allude to religious connotations of light and divinity? Or all three?

The use of light, reflection, shadow and shape (often random yet with a definite sense of purpose) are fundamental in these paintings, prints and drawings. A sense of place and belonging, yet also the joy of discovery are key motifs prevalent in Benedict?s work.

There is wonderful synergy in this exhibition between Benedict and Tessa. I say synergy, but I want to also make it clear that the work produced by each artist is extremely notable in its own right. Tessa?s fine hand-thrown pottery pieces are glorious. These practical, ergonomic designs are principally made for home use. Form and profile, rich glazes, paper resist techniques and colour application are all key components in her making design process. Mentored by Ken Clark when she was a student at Central School of Arts and Crafts in the sixties, Tessa was later then trained by Michael Casson with whom she shared a workshop. As is the case with the paintings, there is certainty about shape, colour and finish in each crafted item.

This has been a wonderful exhibition. Sadly, the two pouring jugs I rather fancied sold in the first half hour of the show opening...

Gabriella Venus