One of the island’s most distinctive and recognisable artists is to open a highly personal exhibition this weekend.

Bruno Cavellec will unveil his latest collection of artwork at the Isle Contemporary gallery at Tynwald Mills on Sunday, October 25, at 2pm.

The exhibition, entitled ’My Mother’s Son’ is a collection of works created in the time since Bruno’s mother died earlier this year.

Bruno’s images are understandably filled with themes of isolation and the loneliness that such a loss can bring about.

However, Bruno said that his images are not necessarily gloomy or sad paintings to view.

His new images are quiet, contemplative and meditative and contain a soothing sense of the passing of time.

Theys also convey a sense of love and loss, which reflects in a timely way with the current pandemic crisis.

’Although the main body of work derives from the recent passing of my mother, "My Mother’s Son" is not filled with the expected darkness,’ said Bruno.

’I chose not to go the route of making crushingly depressing art, but rather channelling my loss into something different, perhaps more subtle, yet always real.’

Many of Bruno’s paintings feature solitary figures in peaceful and quite serene settings and are rich in expression and are underscored with deep emotional resonance .

’Universal themes such as loss, emptiness and nostalgia get a new exposure in peaceful settings,’ he said.

’It’s about a passing.

’You’ve got to do things that are really relevant.

’It’s what I want to show.’

Bruno’s bright and vivid paintings are a result of experimenting with different styles and methods.

’Working on this exhibition has also given me a great opportunity to finally venture into a world which has fascinated me for some time now and to create a few illustrations in a comic book style,’ he said.

’Something playful expressing the child in me as childhood memories of innocence are rekindled.

’If you are prepared to bare your soul a little bit, it is likely to be useful to other people too.’

Bruno is described as one of the island’s most celebrated artists and highlighted his ’rich, deep palette, subtle yet expressive use of texture and the space and depth of feeling he captures in his work’.

He has held many exhibitions on and off island and has also become a successful designer of music-related art.

’With this exhibition, I hope to evoke an awareness of one’s own journey through our mutual longing to connect, he said.

’After all, connection is what gives purpose and meaning to our life.’

More details about Bruno’s exhibition can be found online at islecontemporary.com

by Mike Wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers