This winter, Bils & Rye welcomes a great big serving of mayhem through its doors via Critical Critters, the exuberantly vibrant series of work created by cartoonist / illustrator Ralph Steadman in collaboration with film maker Ceri Levy and printed at the Goldmark Atelier. This special collection of creatures will be on display and for sale at Bils & Rye from 3rd December 2020 to 28th February 2021.
Both the strength of the imagery and the quality of the printing means that these pieces feel that they’re about to jump off the wall, greet you and tell you their own personal story. And a personal tale they very much have to tell – for the Critical Critters are endangered mammals, insects, birds, fish, lizards and trees whose plight Steadman and Levy have highlighted in these works and in their beautiful book of the same name.
Bils & Rye will be displaying all 26 signed limited edition de-bossed prints from the Critical Critters suite. In addition, the gallery will have available one edition of the special box Gonzovation suite, a box of ten signed prints in an edition of just 50. Each stunning print features one of Steadman’s captivating animals or ‘boids’, accompanied by Levy’s subtly imprinted words which encapsulate the species’ plights and will raise funds for species protector, WildAid.
Says gallerist Nick Bentley,
‘I’m delighted to be showing these incredibly vivid works. They’re exquisitely produced by Goldmark Atelier and will be a delight for art lovers and conservationists alike. Dare I say it, a perfect Christmas gift for the animal lover in your life! The preservation of the natural world around us is certainly a critical activity right now and we’re proud to convey this message at Bils & Rye.’
Alongside Ralph Steadman’s Critical Critters, Bils & Rye will be exhibiting some equally flamboyant (and more human) characters in the form of Sarah Ingleby-Mackenzie’s characterful sculptures of Fashionistas and Cocktail Party attendees