Event date: 19 December 2023
Review by Danusia Wurm
The mid December drizzly gloom disappeared on entering Brüer Tidman’s vibrant gallery, situated in an old fishing warehouse in the industrial heartland of Great Yarmouth.
Superbly curated by Brüer, ncas members were treated to an extraordinary selection of paintings, prints and sketchbooks dating back to the 80s, when Brüer turned to art full-time. His works, using a range of oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, wax mixed with pigments and even builders’ sand - ‘beach sand is too salty for the canvas’ -glowed with luminosity and colour. In contrast to his semi abstract work, a series of striking black and is white head portraits gazed directly from the walls.
One floor up, we were also welcomed to Mark Cator’s elegant studio which hosts regular Utter Nonsense exhibitions, music recitals and collaborative workshops.
Located across the road, Brüer’s studio sits above a precariously steep flight of steps. Brüer explained that the large, light room, full of music - the Rolling Stones - and his latest work, was originally used for mending nets as evidenced by small holes in the walls used to stretch the mending lines.
Among the artwork and sketchbooks on show were numerous works inspired by the iconic Hippodrome Circus where Brüer was artist in residence for some years. It was a wonderful curtain raiser for the Hippodrome’s Christmas Spectacular. Featuring a range of acts from around the world and the superb water spectacular, the performance also included young dancers from the local Estelle Dance School based at the Hippodrome.
Post performance, members were also able to visit the Back Stage Circus Museum, an astonishing collection of eclectic circus and music memorabilia curated by Hippodrome owner, Peter Jay. The wonderful retro circus-themed Cafe 1903 also proved popular with the group.
In all, it was a fascinating, memorable and engaging visit.
Our thanks go to Brüer for his time and generosity in welcoming the Group and talking about his work; the hugely helpful Hippodrome Circus Management Team and Selwyn and Janey for organising.
Review by ncas trustee Danusia Wurm