Manic Street Preachers musician Nicky Wire has opened his new exhibition at Narberth Museum - highlighting his continued passion for Polaroid photography.
Nicky, best known as the lyricist and bass player of the Manics, opened his new exhibition titled ‘My Little Empire’ at a special private preview on Saturday, before it opened to the public on August 6.
This is his second solo art exhibition and is being organised and guest curated by Mark Lewis, who worked with Nicky on his debut solo exhibition in 2018 at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.
The Welsh rocker was on hand to open his first ever exhibition - ‘Paintings and Polaroids’ - in the seaside town that holds a special place in his heart, where he owns a property; and was joined by Manics bandmate and lead singer James Dean Bradfield.
The new exhibition features 26 paintings, all highlighting Nicky’s passion for Polaroid photography, and the works are available for purchase.
Nicky’s latest work explores some of his cultural interests – from photographer Bert Stern, artist Jean Paul Basquiat, to authors Albert Camus and RS Thomas, musicians John Cale and Shirley Bassey.
With Monday, August 5 commemorating the 40th anniversary of the tragically early death of legendary Welsh actor Richard Burton, to mark the occasion, and to remember his genius, one of the pieces of artwork on display from Nicky entitled ‘In From The Cold’ - includes scenes from what is probably Burton's greatest film role, as John Le Carre's embittered spy Alec Leamas in The Spy Who Came In From the Cold (1965) as well as early photos of him in the Welsh valley industrial towns of his early years.
There are also several references to the Manics, such as the art work Ultra Vivid Lament that features the image used on the cover of the album of the same name.
“So proud that he chose me again to curate his exhibition; and he’s such a nice guy to work with!” said guest curator Mark.
The exhibition can be viewed online at https://www.narberthmuseum.co.uk and runs until December 13.
©Pics: Gareth Davies Photography
