Kyffin Williams’ Art Transformed in New Interactive Display

The National Library of Wales has ushered in a groundbreaking display that revives the iconic works of Sir Kyffin Williams. This immersive exhibition allows visitors to step into the world captured by Williams, celebrated as one of Wales’ most influential artists of the 20th century. Utilizing advanced technology, the exhibition expands on an artistic journey that began over 70 years ago.

Sir Kyffin’s vivid landscapes, depicting the rugged scenery of Wales, are now presented through an experiential format. Employing similar methods to those used in recent exhibitions of Van Gogh and Cézanne, the library aims to captivate visitors by adding motion and depth to Williams’ paintings. Renowned opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel provides a bilingual narrative, enriching the experience with insights into Williams’ life and work.

A key aspect of this exhibition is its interactivity. Guests can experience the texture of Williams’ impasto technique firsthand. This heavy application of paint, creating three-dimensional surfaces, is one of the hallmarks of his work. The exhibition features a digital representation of a self-portrait where visitors can touch and feel the reproduced texture of oil paints.

The National Library has been a longtime supporter of Sir Kyffin’s work, tracing back to their initial acquisition in 1950. Originally, the library invested modest sums—£15 for an oil painting of Cader Idris and £7.10 for an ink drawing—on this promising young artist. Over the decades, their collection expanded significantly, making the library the largest custodian of his works worldwide.

The creative force behind this high-tech exhibition is Focal Studios and their partners, who have developed an ‘immersive experience’ that allows the public to connect deeply with Williams’ oeuvre. Dennis Outten, the studio’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm over the project, describing it as both a creative challenge and a personal passion.

According to Carys Ifan, Director of the Experience, the attraction is far from a traditional art show. The newly transformed spaces, previously office rooms, now serve as gateways to historical narratives that unfold through dynamic storytelling and projection.

The goal of this innovative display is to cultivate a broader appreciation for Sir Kyffin Williams’ contributions to art. Far from being a solitary exploration of visual culture, it opens avenues for sharing and reflection, offering a unique encounter regardless of age or familiarity with the artist’s work.

Photo by Steve A Johnson on Unsplash