Isle artist puts fringe art in the frame at Doncaster Frenchgate

Expressionist work by artists from across the region is on display at the shopping centre until June 5 as part of the ‘Yorkshire Contemporary, 15’ exhibition.

Karen Staniforth, Frenchgate Marketing Manager, said: “Following our latest round of investment, we have created a wonderful space which connects the Centre to the town’s transport hub. It’s a busy thoroughfare, which offers dining and recreation facilities and is used by thousands of people every week.

“Local artist and curator Neil Rands aka Rama Ramski spotted the space and asked if we would consider an exhibition of work from a group of Yorkshire-based artists which seemed like an excellent idea to bring something new to Frenchgate while supporting our creative and cultural communities.

“The space has been transformed and visitors are now able to experience a first-class exhibition of contemporary art by 15 leading Yorkshire artists.”

Rama Ramski (pictured), who lives in the Isle, has exhibited and sold work internationally, developed the idea of ‘Yorkshire Contemporary, 15’ with assistant curator Adam Berry and assistant curator in media and design Lewis Grimes, in support of Doncaster’s Art Fringe group which encourages contemporary artists to come together, collaborate and share ideas.

All three are award-winning artists whose work will be included in the display at the Frenchgate Centre, which will also feature sculptor Hilary Cartmel and Bruce Hardwick who works with ceramic stoneware.

Rama said: “Like young British artists of the 1980s before us, we are often frustrated by what can appear to be a ‘closed-door’ establishment approach, so it is great to get such an enlightened response from the Frenchgate management.

“In addition to providing a dynamic retail offering, Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre is now hosting a contemporary art exhibition that we believe to be one of the most exciting in the region.”