Wolves roamed wild in large numbers in ‘The Kingdom of Sussex’ according to the 9th century text, The Anglo Saxon Chronicle, along with boars and bears.
Unable to locate any in the county now, artist Jonathan Barnes went to UK Wolf Conservation Trust in Reading to observe and paint wolves for his latest series of paintings on show at Alexis Dove in Lewes this month. After observing the animals by day and night, the artist created a series paintings and cardboard cut-outs. Together, the eight pieces in the exhibition portray different aspects of this mysterious creature.
“Man has had an affinity with wolves since time began. For some reason we like to imagine being like them - images of humans living among wolves are found in the earliest mythology. These paintings attempt to look into that psyche, while presenting my observations of seeing wolves in the flesh.” JB
Jonathan Barnes lives and works in Lewes. His work was exhibited recently at Sluice Art Fair 2013, London, with Fordham Gallery as well as Brighton Festival Open Houses, Lewes Artwave and Artists United. Jonathan Barnes: Wolf is on at Alexis Dove Jewellery, The Needlemakers, West Street, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2NZ from 4 April to 10 May. Open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday. www.alexisdove.com The exhibition was made possible with support by the UK Wolf Conservation Trust.
