Jon Pountney is the man behind “Cardiff Before Cardiff” and Castell Coch’s latest artist in residence.
In an interview with Cadw’s Heritage and Arts Manager, Dr. Ffion Reynolds, Jon talked about his previous projects: “I have been a professional photographer since 2000, working in commercial and corporate areas. In 2010 I started the social history project ‘Cardiff before Cardiff’, which really kick started my imagination and drew me back into more artistic thought processes. My work revolves around the key themes developed when I was a student: memory, history and the devices we use to aid our understanding of the passage of time. Obviously these themes relate most readily to photography, but I also use painting, drawing, and moving image. Since 2010 I have exhibited throughout Wales (most notably in the Wales Millennium Centre with ‘Cardiff before Cardiff’), and in 2015 BBC Wales showed a documentary about one of my projects in ‘Forgotten Images of Valley Life’.”
Jon goes on to talk about his plans for the three month residency: “By using elements and techniques from the birth of photography I hope to allow people to re-see the beauty of Castell Coch and its surroundings.” He also says we can expect: “Something really different and unexpected hopefully, new ways of seeing. A fresh and unique body of work reinterpreting this iconic building. It’s a massive challenge, but I can’t wait to get started!”
By using elements and techniques from the birth of photography I hope to allow people to re-see the beauty of Castell Coch and its surroundings.
Last year, Cadw hosted Lauren Heckler and John Abell, who produced some fantastic work inspired by the castle. Lauren used video to explore light and shadow and John created woodcuts, including one featuring William Burges.
I'm @cadwwales' artist in residence in amazing Castell Coch! Here's a pic from my first day. https://t.co/LeuQQ9x5It pic.twitter.com/Li1vwr4Swm
— Jon Pountney (@C_before_C) April 19, 2016
We can’t wait to see Jon’s work and hope to see him around the village.
