Printmaking and in particular the intaglio process has played a big role in the development of my work over the years and I have seen it as an extension of my drawing practice, and in a way, it allows me to bring images to life in a way like no other. The process is something I have always loved since I was a student. There is always something almost magical about the process from working on a plate, aquatinting, etching and then the excitement of seeing the results when proofing and printing.
The images themselves are grounded in observation, reflecting upon the energy and atmosphere of the places visited and my love of the landscape’s geometry, structure and architecture. They often contain and reflect upon moments experienced while in the landscape and I guess my aim is to capture and recreate the poignancy of those moments; to make them permanent and somehow make sense of their significance.
Born in Bangor, North Wales in 1970, Darren studied fine art & printmaking at Falmouth school of Art & Design.
Following a series of increasingly successful exhibitions, the late Sir Kyffin Williams invited Darren to exhibit alongside him at Sir Kyffin’s last London show. Needless to say, the exhibition was a huge success and Darren sold every picture. This was followed by numerous sell-out shows with Martin Tinney Gallery and Thackeray Gallery London.
Working primarily in and around the landscape of North Wales, and more particularly, Anglesey & Bethesda; Darren approaches the landscape with a contemporary realism and honesty. His landscapes are created through almost painstaking observation and attention to detail. His drawings and paintings are precise, powerful and moving and celebrate the welsh landscape as it is now.
Alongside his professional practice as an Artist, Darren has taught Fine art in the Art Department at Coleg Menai for over 23 years, working on a variety of courses at levels 1 to 6. During this time he has also been course leader for A level Art & Design, the Level 1 & 2 Art & Design Courses and is currently the head of the Access to Higher Education Art & Design course.
Darren Hughes has exhibited widely including exhibitions at Mostyn, Martin Tinney Gallery and Ruthin Craft Cente in Wales, The Thackeray Gallery in London as well as internationally in Cyprus, U.S.A and Ireland. An award winning artist, his work is represented in private and public collections, including The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.
For more information about the exibition, click here.