Francois Morellet

In contrast to the 'handmade' natural feel of the 'Tapa' exhibition the Ikon Gallery was also exhibiting the work of French contemporary artist Francois Morellet. Morellets work is much more formal and considered.
Morellet was influenced by 'Tapa' art work, this is visible in some of the abstract forms and geometric lines. However, in contrast to natural 'Tapa' barkcloths, Morellet's painting are clean, precise and graphical.
Here are a few examples of his work.

'Tapa' Exhibition

Taking time out to visit an exhibition is always a pleasure. So, as I had a little free time, I took myself off to Birmingham's Ikon Gallery to see an exhibition of 'Tapa' paintings.
 'Tapa' is a traditional cloth made from bark and comes from the Pacific Islands. It's made from the inner bark of tropical trees - the bark is soaked in water to soften it before it is beaten until it resembles cloth. The cloth is then dried before being decorated with traditional and abstract designs. The tradition of decorating barkcloth is still alive today in Papua New Guinea.
 I was amazed to see how delicate these cloths were. The bark had been beaten until it is almost transparent and the fibres visible.
Here are a few highlights from this wonderful exhibition.

Simple marks are used to maximum effect

This image shows the delicate structure of the barkcloth