Wales & Welsh Relevance


We all have a different experience of- and relationship with- Wales. It offers a home and a history, an identity or an idea, and belonging to Wales gives a sense of hope for many. But are we being overly romantic? Is it time to throw away those rose-tinted glasses and look at Wales in a different light?

The selection of works below explores the ways in which Wales is portrayed by contemporary artists. How is a modern Wales different from that of its past? What in its culture makes it stand out from everywhere else?

Wales has changed and evolved over hundreds of years, but there are recurring elements often found in artworks depicting Wales and Welsh-ness – including the struggles of Welsh people, as well as a strong sense of identity, humour and a feeling of community.

What does Wales mean to you? Which other works could be added to the list below?

Artworks


Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
FORD, Laura
© The Artist/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Elwyn, John
© Elwyn, John/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
WILLIAMS, Bedwyr
© Bedwyr Williams/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Crabtree, Jack
© Crabtree, Jack/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
WILLIAMS, John Kyffin
© The National Library of Wales/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Donkor, Joshua
© Donkor, Joshua/The National Library of Wales
National Library of Wales
Dewis, Adeola
© Dewis, Adeola/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
CHAMBERLAIN, Brenda
© Brenda Chamberlain/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales/Reuven Jasser
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
HURN, David
© David Hurn / Magnum Photos / Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Williams, Kyffin
© Williams, Kyffin/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
Howell, Catrin
© Catrin Howell/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Davies, Ogwyn
© Davies, Ogwyn/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
TRIVEDY, Daniel
© Daniel Trivedy/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
DAVIES, Paul
© Paul Davies/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Harries, Hywel
© Harries, Hywel/The National Library of Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
SCHNEIDERMANN, Clémentine & JAMES, Charlotte
© Clémentine Schneidermann and Charlotte James/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum
LLOYD JONES, Mary
© Mary Lloyd Jones/Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales
National Library of Wales
Dias, Natalia
© Dias, Natalia/The National Library of Wales
National Library of Wales
Bala, Iwan
© Bala, Iwan/The National Library of Wales
National Library of Wales
Paintsil, Anya
© Paintsil, Anya/The National Library of Wales

Articles


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