Since 2022 the National Library of Wales has been working closely with Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales on a ground-breaking digitisation project which will see its vast collection of contemporary Welsh art being shared on Celf ar y Cyd alongside the Museum’s collections.

Celebrating Welsh art

On 28 October 2023 a new exhibition opened at the National Library of Wales’ Gregynog Gallery, celebrating its contemporary Welsh art collections and this innovative digitisation project. The CYFOES: Celf Cymru Heddiw · Contemporary Welsh Art exhibition brings together a selection of works dating from 1945 to the present day from the Library’s National Art Collection.

Exhibition highlights include a brand new work by the artist Dr Adéọlá Dewis, Y Fari Lwyd, which has been specially commissioned as part of the Library’s work to decolonise the art collections; Cofeb Tryweryn by John Meirion Morris; Greenham Peace Vigil by Claudia Williams; and Ponterwyd / Gaia by Mary Lloyd Jones.

The works in the exhibition – from oil paintings, collages and photographs to sculptures and multi-media works – show the range and diversity of the Library’s collections. They are a reflection of the world around us and a record of the world through the eyes of our most notable artists.

Responding to themes

Looking at how contemporary art reflects the forces and issues that shape our world today, the exhibition presents the works across a number of themes reflecting those that appear on Celf ar y Cyd:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Wales and Welsh Relevance
• People, Society and Identity
• The Body
• Politics, Protest and Activism
• Nature and the Environment
• Our World, and
• Religion and Beliefs

We have been working with Mari Elin Jones, our Interpretation Officer in the Exhibitions Department at the National Library of Wales, who said:

"We are very glad of this opportunity to share a special selection of artworks by some of Wales' leading contemporary artists. The aim of the exhibition is to celebrate the richness, diversity and range of contemporary art in Wales; as well as displaying well-known works the exhibition also reflects the continued vitality of art in Wales today as we include brand new works. We really hope that visitors will enjoy this opportunity to see the best of contemporary art in Wales, and that the exhibition will stimulate dialogue and inspire creativity."

“Since its establishment in 1907 the National Library have been essential supporters of contemporary Welsh art and its collections are growing annually.” Morfudd says “Celf ar y Cyd is a great platform for sharing its collection worldwide in order to inspire and educate.”

Part of a new relationship

The Library is working in collaboration with partners to develop a national contemporary art gallery for Wales and the exhibition provides examples of works that will be available to lend to galleries across Wales.

Cyfoes closes on March 23rd and therefore this is your last chance to see this celebrated exhibition.