Art Reviews

Owen Bannister: A Tribute

19/11/15

This private view at St Margaret's Church was an intimate affair; collegues, friends and family gathered to appreciate the works of late artist Owen Bannister. Set up by fellow students and friends, the exhibition was put together to show several series of his works. A section has also been featured to pay tribute to art that has been made in his honour. The exhibition was put together to celebrate his life's work and to share it with the public; something that Owen himself would not have the chance to do.

The show expresses a journey of Owen's artwork, as he attended university, met new people and experimented with his interests. It has been cleverly arranged to show these different stages, and in every single one there is a greattalent and passion to be observed. What makes the show so poetic are the mediums within which Owen chose to work; from smaller sketches, to flexible loose ink lines; the characteristic and personality of each drawing shines through. Despite every image being drawn by the same person they all possess their own identity for the audience to engage and converse with. The collection has been arranged in a variety of original A4 black and white prints, a 3-Dimsensional presentation of portraits, coloured larger works and sculptures. 

Performed at the opening night were two of Owen's original poems with some personal contributions by two other spoken word artists, some of which are featured within the exhibition as dedication to Owen. Owen's own poetry can be heard being recited and watched on a TV screen on display in the church. Accompanying the night was an eclectic playlist formed entirely with Owen in mind and his loved for blues, jazz and anything in the slightest experimental. As a composer himself it is beautiful to walk around the enhibition hearing the vbery music that inspired the great works of this artist. What was most poignant over the course of the opening night was the presence of the artist in every part of this exhibition. One of the most beautiful parts is a primary coloured corner; dedicated to a desk that is set up and holds some of the artists' personal possessions. It has been curated to show to the general public the intimacy of this show and the love the organisers have for this man. 

This opening night was an emotional and very successful celebration of Owen and the perfect setting for people to laugh, remember, enjoy and toast this talented musician, poet and illustrator. The show will be open to the public from Tuesday 17th until Friday the 20th; running each day from 11am until 4pm. On sale at the show are some of Owen's original prints, posters and zines. Other works made as a tribute to the show are also for sale and there is a suggested minimum for each as all money raised will go directly to Macmillan. 

Also in the church is a donation bucket for anyone wishing to make some kind of contribution. Anyone is welcome to visit the show and explore the talents of Owen Bannister and to come along and help those he loved pay tribute to him. 

Owen Bannister: A Tribute. St Margarets Church, St Benedicts Street. Open to the public Tuesday 17th Nov til Friday 20th Nov 11am - 4pm.