Alec Lewis Exhibition

THE PAINTED WORD

‘Poets, Painters, Actors, Singers’

This exhibition reflects some of the people that have had an influence on my life. Emerging from the rich pool of creative expression of singers, painters, poets and actors, comes a lyric or quote that grabs my attention and inspires my work; to capture on paper and canvas an aspect of their character that those words evoke.

I am fascinated by the relationship between words and images. Words conjure up compleatly different images for different people. The quote reads “A picture is worth a thousand words” – but a few words can change the story.

My paintings also reflect a nostalgic longing for a more innocent, perhaps more honest time. Pubs were places to meet and talk, like Browns Hotel in Laugharne, witness to the ale-infused ego sparring of Dylan Thomas and Augustus John. Music was performed in more intimate venues, not shared with thousands of anonymous online watchers. Creative experiences to be spoken not filmed, to be remembered and not posted. 

In this exhibition I have painted those whose words and craft I have relished and been inspired by; Richard Burton, Dali, Augustus John and of course Dylan Thomas. Also included are my musical heroes Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Bob Marley and Leonard Cohen.

By combining words and images you can create your own narrative, and by using all materials available to me, produce a whole visual world.

In my work I mix paint, ink and pencil with collage – bits of wrapping paper, pieces of cardboard, used tickets , whatever I have available.

I am also concerned about the environment, and the image of the ‘Green Man’ can creep into a few of my landscapes, and is a perennial symbol of our unity with the natural world. His re-emergence today coincides with the growing awareness of a need for balance between us and our environment. He has always been with us especially in churches where the imagery was used as a link between Christianity and paganism.

Alec Lewis – Biography

After studying at Carmarthen Art School he obtained a Diploma in Art & Design at Maidstone College of Art before entering the world of advertising as an Art Director.

Alec worked on a variety of accounts in London like the Mini and Land-Rover, Big D Nuts, and Pepsi, working with celebrities like Twiggy, Henry Cooper, Alex ’Hurricane’ Higgins and Tony Gregg.

He spent eleven years in Dubai and Bahrain as a Creative Director working on the British Airways account.

He retired in 2008 and moved back to the UK to live in Tenby and started to paint full time again. Much of his work reflects his interest in the written word, whether it’s in music, poetry, myth or legend, and the people that have influenced his life like William Blake, Oscar Wilde, George Orwell and Dylan Thomas. Also included in his work are his musical heroes like Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Leonard Cohen.

Since then Alec has had three one man exhibitions.

• Tenby Museum & Art Gallery, 2018.
• Joanna Field Gallery, Torch Theatre,  2022.
• Gate Gallery, St Clears, 2022  
• Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting – joint exhibition at Tenby Museum & Art Gallery 2024/25 

Please contact curator Mark Lewis [email protected] or call us on 01834 860500 to discuss further.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON SALES

• When purchasing an artwork, Narberth Museum requires 50% of the purchase price as a non-refundable deposit.  The remaining balance and any delivery charges are to be paid before collection or shipping of the artwork.
• If the buyer requires the artwork to be shipped, Narberth Museum will inform them of postage, packaging and insurance costs within five working days of receiving the deposit. The buyer is responsible for all shipping expenses.
• All artworks shipped will be insured at the buyers’ expense.
• International buyers are liable for all local taxes and fees applicable in their jurisdiction including (but not limited to) import duties and sales taxes.
• Tracking numbers will be provided to buyers on shipping.
• Payment can be made via BACS or credit card. Buyers should contact Narberth Museum with the number and title of the painting they wish to purchase.  
• Narberth Museum will require the buyer’s personal details to process the sale (name, address, email and contact number).  A receipt will be provided.  Personal details will only be used for this purpose and will not be shared with any third parties.
• Remaining artworks will be shipped no later than 17 March 2025.
• Buyers purchasing an artwork in person at Narberth Museum may, under certain circumstances, be permitted to take the artwork upon full payment. This is at Narberth Museum’s sole discretion to maintain the integrity of the exhibition. The decision taken by Narberth Museum in this regard is final and non-negotiable.