Art that's simply Expialidocious

An exhibition by textile and mixed media artist John Laurence Speight has opened at a new gallery in Ballyhome.

The unusual work of this talented young artist was chosen to launch the March 30 opening of the Ja Ja Gallery, 4 Sheridan Drive, Bangor.

John specialises in conceptual and gallery focused work. Following an honours degree in Fine & Applied Arts at the University of Ulster, he has exhibited throughout Ireland and has won awards and achieved commissions for his unusual textile work which is inspired by his fascination with the subject of taste.

John continues to explore his love of colour, texture and form through his gallery work but is also interested in developing his work for use in interiors.

His exhibition '¡Expialidocious!' is underway now and runs until the end of May.

The Ja Ja Gallery is the brainchild of Jo-anne Hatty, a local professional artist with several major art commissions throughout Northern Ireland under her belt. Jo-anne has chosen to resist the pull of Belfast and set up shop in Bangor instead.

Described as a 'compact' gallery, Ja Ja offers space for solo exhibitions or small works. It aims to promote young and emerging artists from across the province and beyond.

Jo-anne hopes the gallery, which will host six exhibitions a year, including one open exhibition, will reach out to new audiences and offer a friendly and welcoming venue.

After John's current exhibition, Jo-anne will exhibit her own latest works, a series of a small bronze sculptures created as a result of her receiving North Down's Kilfedder Award for a residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.

The Gallery is open Monday–Thursday, 11am–5pm, and Friday–Saturday by appointment. Visit www.JaJaGallery.co.uk