Everyday Narratives

About

Everyday Narratives is a Solo Exhibition by Bethany Y Milam.

The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery will be hosting the first solo exhibition by Artist Bethany Y Milam titled Everyday Narratives. The exhibition will be open from 23rd September to 21st October during normal museum opening hours.

Bethany is a Hampshire based Interdisciplinary Fine Artist, who defies categorisation, engaging with a broad range of subjects and media. While Bethany's subjects are diverse, her inspiration comes from her own experiences, her friends and family and situations she comes across. Every image has a story behind it and it is this interest in narrative that brings together the exhibition. Her works often imply a narrative that is never told in full, encouraging the viewer to engage with the artworks and construct their own meanings. The exhibition will comprise a mix of paintings, drawings, mixed media work and small sculptures.

Central to the exhibition are Bethany's graphite portraits depicting Basingstoke Street Pastors and Salvation Army Soldiers. In 2014 Bethany had the opportunity to walk with the Basingstoke Street Pastors as an observer. The resulting artworks are inspired by that experience as well as Bible verses. Her portraits seek to capture the vibrant personalities of the subjects. While her popular 'Please Mind the Gap' series of train ticket cut outs are a tongue-in-cheek response to the artist's experience of public transport. Each work is both a record of a single journey and an exploration of a wider shared experience that draws on each viewer's personal memories and associations. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase original artwork, prints and cards.

Having trained as an Interdisciplinary Fine Artist at West London University Bethany has exhibited widely both nationally and abroad. Her work has been accepted for the ING Discerning Eye and Society of Women Artists exhibitions among others. She enjoys the challenge of both large scale Public and Private Commissions. Bethany believes that art should make you think, feel, laugh or look at something in a new way. Having completed a PGCE, Bethany is also an Art Tutor, catering for both children and adults. "I have a strong belief in the importance of art and creativity and am keen to pass on this enthusiasm."