Current Exhibition
John Macfarlane - New Work
2 August 2012 - 25 August 2012
John Macfarlane was born in Glasgow in 1948 and trained at Glasgow School of Art. He regards Wales as his home, having lived here since 1975. John has pursued parallel careers in painting and theatre design and is now regarded as one of the world’s leading designers for opera and ballet, having worked for all the major opera and ballet companies.
This latest exhibition comprises costume drawings and paintings from ‘Rake’s Progress’, a Scottish Opera production which was staged in Glasgow and Edinburgh during March 2012. The production delved into the grimy underbelly of London during the 18th century. The resulting imagery is both dark and opulent, reflecting the frailty of human nature. The exhibition also includes a collection of studies from the powerful opera, ‘Elektra’, to be staged in Chicago during October 2012.
Past designs include; Maria Stuarda, Metropolitan Opera, New York; La Baiser de la Fée, Birmingham Royal Ballet; L’Heure Espagnole & Gianni Schicchi, Peter Grimes, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk and The Magic Flute: all at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; Idomeneo at Vienna State Opera, Don Giovanni and The Fiery Angel for Brussels and Euryanthe at Glyndebourne. Other productions include War and Peace for Paris Opera, Boris Godunov in Amsterdam, Falstaff in Florence, andThe Queen of Spades, Welsh National Opera, and Hansel and Gretel for Welsh National Opera and Metropolitan Opera, New York.Having exhibited his paintings and design drawings throughout Europe, John has become one of the most collectable of contemporary artists/designers. His work hangs in many prestigious public collections including the National Museum of Wales; the V & A in London; the Albertina, Vienna; Hunterian Museum, Glasgow; the Archive of L’Opera, Paris and the Collection of the Metropolitan Opera House.
All the works are for sale. Collectorplan is available.
Opening hours
Monday-Friday, 10:00-18:00
Saturday, 10:00-17:00
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Groups by appointment only please