The Power of Art

May 24, 2019

Last night I had the privilege of viewing the stunning watercolours of Derek Robertson currently on display at ‘Nature in Art’ at Twigworth, Gloucestershire. Derek has been studying and painting wildlife for many years, mostly concentrating on birds. His current exhibition extends his repertoire by incorporating the beauty of birds in their migration with the human stories of movement and migration. He vividly shows the human cost, having visited The Calais Jungle in its last days, Sicily and parts of the Middle East.

These are stunning works of art and very moving. It is always remarkable that art can tell a story to which words cannot do justice. At one point in his presentation to us yesterday evening, Derek talked of the image of migrating birds flying across the Mediterranean Sea, while below them human beings are in peril making journeys in dreadful conditions and unsure of their reception even if they get across safely.

His images combine his skills as a wildlife artist and his value of humanity, interplaying in a wonderful and challenging way.

I can thoroughly recommend a trip out as this has to be experienced for yourself. I expect you will be moved like I was and ask yourself those same questions – at a time of huge upheaval, what does it mean to share this planet and what does it mean to be human in times of turmoil?

Adele