A Golden Echo at Celf: The Captivating World of Shani Rhys James
Stepping into Celf Gallery in Cardiff is a revelation. The space itself is striking—elegantly curated and welcoming, exuding a quiet luxury without the pretence that often accompanies institutions of this calibre. From the outset, the atmosphere is immersive, inviting visitors to engage with the artwork rather than simply observe it.
Credit: Chris J Birch
At the heart of this experience is The Golden Echo, an exhibition showcasing the exceptional paintings of celebrated Welsh artist Shani Rhys James. Known for her deeply expressive and psychologically charged portraits, Rhys James commands the viewer’s attention through her distinctive approach to oils—layering textures and tones to create breathtaking depth and nuance. This latest body of work continues her exploration of the human condition, offering commentary on morality, hope, and beauty.
The exhibition borrows its title from Gerard Manley Hopkins, drawing a connection to The Leaden Echo, a previous theme in Rhys James’ oeuvre. Where *The Leaden Echo* mused on transience and loss, The Golden Echo extends a hand to possibility—an artistic glimmer of hope amid life’s inevitable fragility. Her floral compositions, bursting with energetic movement and lyrical colour, contrast sharply with her unflinching portraits, whose piercing gazes seem to challenge the observer to look deeper. There is a tension between ephemerality and endurance—flowers fading, faces confronting their place in time.
What elevates The Golden Echo beyond its remarkable technique is the undeniable presence of its subjects. The eyes in each painting command attention, luring the viewer into an intimate dialogue with the figures before them. The meticulous preparation that must have gone into each piece is evident—the interplay of layered oils breathing life into the canvas, revealing a painstaking commitment to craft that spans months, perhaps years.
Rhys James’ career is one of unwavering artistic integrity, reflected in the accolades she has amassed, from the Jerwood Prize to the National Portrait Award and the Gold Medal at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. Her impact on Welsh art is indisputable—not simply through prestigious honours, but through the very essence of her work, which continually challenges, provokes and enthrals.
Credit: Chris J Birch
Her paintings are held in some of the UK’s most esteemed collections, yet there is something uniquely affecting about encountering them in Celf Gallery. The experience is immersive, striking, and thoroughly rewarding.
With The Golden Echo, Shani Rhys James affirms her place as a formidable artistic force—offering not only beauty but introspection, not simply technique but feeling. It is a must-see, not only for lovers of Welsh art but for anyone willing to step into a world where paint speaks volumes.