We are delighted to present the Coastal Connections: Wild Swimming and the South Wales Coastline exhibition, exploring the joy of cold-water immersion and celebrating the stunning South Wales coastline.
Wild swimming, also known as open water swimming, involves taking a dip in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. It’s a thrilling and invigorating way to connect with nature, and the South Wales coastline, with its rugged cliffs, hidden coves and tranquil bays, offers some of the most breath-taking locations for this activity in the UK.
This exhibition features a diverse collection of artworks that offer a unique glimpse into the world of swimming. Some works document swimming communities and provide an insight into their daily routines and practices. Other pieces offer a more personal perspective, capturing the artists’ unique experiences of water and the many intricacies of waves, foam, and organisms thriving at the shore.
In addition to these captivating depictions of water and its many facets, the exhibition also explores the intricate movements of the human body whilst in water. These pieces offer a study into the complex physical activity of swimming and its many nuances.
The exhibition also pays tribute to the stunning South Wales coastline, with a series of pieces that showcase the area’s wider coastal landscape. The intricate depictions of the familiar and complex cliff faces of Southerndown and Ogmore provide a refined portrayal of these iconic landmarks.
If you’re new to wild swimming, make sure to be safe, and swim with a group. Learn about tides, currents, your local beaches, rivers and lakes from experienced swimmers. Some of the local swimming communities are: Dawn Stalkers, Watchtower Waders, Taffy Dippers, Barrybados Bathers, Blue Boobies, Blue Tits and Sister Swims. If you don’t live in South Wales, you can find your local wild swimming group on http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com and you can learn more on http://www.wildswimming.co.uk
hank you to all participating artists and swimmers: Emily Unsworth White, Francine Davies, Nick Davies, Kate De Leo, Melanie Wotton, Mike Biddulph, Richard James, Sue McDonagh, Sylwia Kuniewska.
