ALISON THISTLETHWAITE
©david and ali thistlethwaite 2011
Alison’s recent exhibition, seen at Worcester, was in the well-lit and wonderfully carved Dean’s chapel, framed by the rich tracery of Prince Arthur’s Chantry. The stained glass and Ali’s radiant acrylic paintings seem to echo each other. As well as a group of paintings that were seen at York Minster in February, including some ‘core’ paintings like ‘Open Heart Surgery’, there are two new series, one based on the Arab Spring of 2011 (five small paintings on the theme of liberty), and the other inspired by the troubles of Greece, in relation to God’s presence, which brings hope and purification.
This corner of the Dean’s Chapel at Worcester shows the tomb of Sir Griffyth Ryce and behind it a portrait of Alison by David Thistlethwaite. Far left, two friends with Alison at the exhibition.
The Red Place is an installation that has been three years in preparation and was completed Sept 22 2011. It is a perfect cube with a doorway, made of steel and acrylic. Backed against the chantry chapel behind, it is itself like a small place set apart, a reminder (possibly) that one can enter ‘God’s house’ anywhere. Download text
Susie Arnold (left, talking to Ali) writes on behalf of Worcester Cathedral: ‘It was a delight to have Ali’s gallery of vibrant and spiritual paintings ‘In the Presence’ in Worcester Cathedral. It was a true example of art contributing to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral through outreach to the wider community.... Ali’s thought-provoking and enlightening text to each painting added to the depth of expression her work revealed.’