An award-winning Grey’s School of Art graduate has opened his own gallery in the Granite City to give emerging artists a platform to display their work.
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The space was opened by Gray’s School of Art graduate Tomasz Wrobel, who has launched the gallery with a solo exhibition of his own work which is described as surreal landscapes combined with abstract studying the theme of ‘e-waste’, which explores how electronic waste decomposes into the natural world.
As well as being an award-winning painter, Tomasz is also an extremely talented tattoo artist, working as part of the team at the Rebel Ink studio on Aberdeen’s George Street.
The gallery also features a studio space allowing Tomasz to create his own art in a purpose-build facility.
With Aberdeen’s own art gallery on Schoolhill now closed for refurbishment until 2017, Tomasz’ Newave Gallery on Castle Street will provide a much needed space for art lovers to view some of the very best contemporary work emerging from the city’s talented creatives.
Although he now runs the gallery, Polish native Tomasz said he has no intention of putting down his tattoo machine.
He said: “Painting and drawing has always been a huge part of my life and the Newave Gallery will allow myself and other aspiring artists to have a platform to showcase our work to a wider audience outside of art school shows and private collections.
“As well as painting and running the gallery, I will still be tattooing at Rebel Ink as I love that side of my work too as it allows me to hone a completely different craft and style.”
One of Tomasz’ greatest successes to date was Royal Scottish Academy selection for its New Contemporaries Exhibition in 2014 where he won the Stevenston Award, which is awarded to a painter of merit. He was also awarded the David and June Gordon Memorial Trust Award for an artist born or studying in the Grampian region.
Professor Chris O’Neil, head of Gray’s School of Art, said: “There is a huge need for more creative spaces in the city so it is fantastic to see a graduate of Gray’s opening up a new gallery and studio space right in the centre of Aberdeen.
“We wish Tomasz all the best with his new venture and look forward to seeing how it develops in the future.”
Tomasz’ colleagues at Rebel Ink have also backed his venture and say they enjoy watching him create art in the tattoo studio as well as on canvas.
Owner Robin Cannon said: “I am really proud of Tomasz and excited to see his work and talents be exhibited at his gallery. It is a pleasure to work with someone who has such a passion for art and it is great to see him being so driven and ambitious.
“We have seen all aspects of his art going from strength to strength from his amazing work at Rebel Ink, to his own incredible artwork which he will have displayed at the gallery. Tomasz has really made an impression as a tattoo artist and has a large group of loyal customers who benefit from his experience in a number of different styles.”
The Newave Gallery is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday at 49 (First Floor), Castle Street, Aberdeen.
