Nun better in Wolverhampton art exhibition

Mike Massingham, aged 64, and Bill Parker, aged 63, have joined forces to create a contrasting yet complementary exhibition of artwork at the Asylum Gallery in Chapel Ash.

The exhibitions, entitled Spanish Caprichos and Meditation Paintings are being displayed together at the gallery from March 18 to 27.

The nun is called Madonna's Night Out, and it represents the dichotomy of the catholic church.

The artists originally attended Wolverhampton's polytechnic art and design department in 1973 before going their separate ways to complete Masters qualifications.

Now the pair's art has been brought together to show the striking similarities and differences in their work.

Mr Massingham, of Newbridge Street Wolverhampton, said: "The art really works together in the most interesting way visually.

"On the one hand, they really contrast each other, but on the other they complement each other."

"They are incredibly colourful, vibrant pieces of work and we're looking forward to seeing the visitors' response to it." Mr Parker added.

Mr Parker, who now lives in Yorkshire, what he playfully terms ' Brontë land', took inspiration for this collection from his regular walks on the Yorkshire Moors.

"I'm a part-time dog walker on the side" he said, "So I'm on the moors everyday. I also regularly meditate, so this body of work really reflects that - the weather, the moors and meditation."

Mr Massingham's work focuses on his travels to Asia, Turkey and Spain. They also embody the emotions the artist experienced when his fiancée left him during a holiday to Seville.

"The Caprichos are all images born of a love of Seville and a sad emotional time for me. Ironically it was this very sadness that inspired the work, along with the wonderful iconography of the catholic church and the symbolism of the bull."

Mr Massingham, who has had one of his Indian sketch books on display at the British Library for ten years, uses printmaking techniques and gold leaf to make his artwork.

Mr Parker works primarily with paper pulp, ink and dyes.

"Bill's work is very abstract" Mr Massingham said, "Where as mine is less abstract, though based on religion, hypocrisy, sex, death and humour ."

Mr Parker completed a Master's degree in print-making and photography, with Mr Massingham completing his Masters in fine art.

Mr Massingham contacted Mr Parker after attending one of his exhibitions in Yorkshire.

"Mike contacted me and just said, do I fancy coming down and putting on a show together."

The pair finished their respective artworks around three days before the opening of the exhibition, having started them in around December last year.

"We're looking forward to finding out what people make of them!" Mr Parker added.