FLOWER POWER TO AIR POWER

FRESH AIR: AN ORIGINAL NEW PERSPECTIVE ON AVIATION ART

On display: 31st May 2012 – 31st May 2013

Entrance: FREE

The Royal Air Force Museum invites its visitors to turn on, tune in and take off with the revolutionary aviation artist David Bent.

His fans include international air force pilots, art collectors, Chiefs of Staff, captains of industry and even the legendary Red Arrows – with whom he has collaborated as Artist in Residence.

Considered as challenging, thought provoking and innovative, David Bent’s art combines the technological with the spiritual and compels the viewer to stop and take notice.

Inspired at an early age by his father’s passion for aviation, David has dedicated his life to his art and love of aviation and travelling. All of his work references aspects of his life’s journey and offer a personal glimpse into his unique world view. Each composition demands time for re-examination as details, previously hidden when first viewed are revealed anew forcing multiple re-interpretations.

Big, bold and captivating, whether wittily subverting the destructive power of nuclear arms race, celebrating the sheer joy of pilots in flight or enticing the viewer to work out the hidden imagery contained within his art, David Bent’s style is considered by many to be a breath of fresh air for aviation art.

Combining both the traditional and avant garde, David Bent presents the Royal Air Force in a way that you have not thought of it before. His view is, so to speak, through an unfamiliar prism, at times humorous, at times fantastical and at times linking his admiration for the shapes of the natural world with his interest in aeronautical structures.

Andrew Cormack Keeper of Visual Arts, Medals and Uniforms at the Royal Air Force Museum:
“The RAF Museum is delighted to host an exhibition of the work of aviation artist David Bent. He brings a new look to the subject, at times witty and charming, at others subtly menacing, but imbued with a deep respect and affection for the Royal Air Force and for all who conduct their business in the heavens”.

David Bent:

“As an artist in love with aviation, I am honoured that such a historic and brilliant place as the RAF Museum is hosting this exhibition of my work.”

The exhibition will also be supported by a series of activities and trails enabling unique opportunities for children and young people to interact and to be inspired by the Art and the stories behind it.

Further details on these activities will be posted on the Museum’s website during the next couple of months.

Entry to Fresh Air is free of charge to visitors; as is entry to the Museum. The exhibition will be shown daily from 10am to 6pm until May 31st 2013. For further details please visit www.rafmuseum.org/whatson or dial 020 8205 2266.

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