There are many things I am thankful for in regards to being a student and alumni of Aberystwyth University. And I am so fortunate to be able to live in this beautiful part of Wales. One of the things that I really appreciate is having the opportunity to meet other artists. Professional artists, who have given me so much support and encouragement.
One of these artists is Pete Monaghan. If my memory serves me correctly, I first met him at an exhibition in MOMA Machynlleth, years before I embarked on my degree. But it wasn’t until I started studying at Aberystwyth University that I got to know him and his work better. I was bitterly disappointed to miss out on seeing a workshop he ran at the School of Art, at Aberystwyth University, where he demonstrated how he creates his amazing artworks.
I can honestly say that photographs online can never do justice to these stunning works of art. Pete works with acrylic and mixed media collage to create his unique works. He successfully works and sells in both Wales and Germany, having both lived and worked in Germany as an illustrator for over 20 years.
I was lucky enough to see his work at an exhibition in MOMA Machynlleth while I was studying for my degree. I remember it because I had just created my first series of bra paintings and I was having a serious wobble about whether I should continue painting them or not. I had a conversation with Pete about my doubts and he told me that I have a unique concept, which is hard to come by in the art world these days. He said the subject could be explored in so many different ways also, which could keep me working for many years before I exhaust them all. I cannot describe how much that meant to me at that time. I was building up to my final exhibition and was full of doubts. Whenever I have a wobble now, I always hear his words, giving me that boost to trust in my work and carry on. So this blog post is my way of saying thank you to Pete.
I have mentioned that he has exhibited at MOMA Machynlleth. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic his latest exhibition is now only viewable online. Please visit Ffin y Parc Country House and Gallery by clicking on the link below.
https://welshart.net/exhibitions/113/works/
You can also have a virtual tour of the exhibition on YouTube by clicking on the link below.
The lockdown has been beneficial in one way, and that is being able to view exhibitions online that normally would only have been viewable in real life. I don’t get to travel often to see exhibitions. But I am planning to find some way to go and visit one of Pete’s exhibitions in person one day soon. I hope you all will do the same. Helping to support artists of all types is so important right now more than ever.
If you cannot visit in person then please share this blog post and help a fellow artist in these difficult times.
You can also see more of Pete’s work on his website by clicking the link below
Tracy J Hughes 