The Golden Thread Gallery is delighted to present the launch of two simultaneous solo exhibitions, a common fiction by Ian Cumberland and Homeland Insecurity by Travis Somerville. The positioning of these two solo exhibitions next to one another builds on the current themes being explored by the Golden Thread’s 2018- 2019 programme of approaching ways of looking. Both Cumberland and Somerville’s works is representational, explicit in its approach to storytelling. These two separate exhibitions and artists are brought together here for the first time, opening up the potential for conversations across the neighbouring spaces of the main gallery.

The Golden Thread Gallery is delighted to have worked in partnership with Maus Contemporary, Alabama to bring the work of Travis Somerville to Northern Ireland for the first time.

The Golden Thread Gallery is thrilled to be presenting Ian Cumberland’s new body of work ‘a common fiction’. Born in Banbridge in Co Down, Cumberland studied at The University of Ulster where he was awarded the John and Rachael Turner Award for the most outstanding student in 2006. He has established a national and international reputation for his highly realistic portraits.

Ian Cumberland is perhaps best known for his hyper realistic large oil paintings, including his award winning ‘Heads’ series. The surfaces of Cumberland’s paintings record the innate detail of flesh, pattern and texture in highly detailed precision.

The work being shown as part of this exhibition explores new methods of painting for Cumberland, moving towards wider, more immersive installation experiences. Detailed portraiture is staged within the space and extended with fabric, neon and video work. This ‘staging’ frames the paintings in a context that is found within the imagery of the paint itself, bringing the viewer a different perspective of looking at his work. The paintings are expanded, the landscape of each work brought out and into the gallery.

Iain Cumberland has been included in many prestigious exhibitions internationally including ‘Once Removed’, Millennium Court Arts, Portadown 2012 and Albemarle Gallery, London 2008. He won the Davy Portrait Award in 2010, while in 2011 Just To Feel Normal was placed third in the BP Portrait Award.

He has been awarded the ACES Award, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, 2014, The Ireland-US Council & Irish Arts Review Portraiture Award, 2012, SIAP Award, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, 2011, 2010, 2009 and the KPMG Emerging Artist Award (RUA), 2010, 2009

Cumberland’s work is represented in public collections throughout Ireland, UK and Europe. NICS Art Collection, National Self Portrait Collection of Ireland, OPW State Art Collection, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Hall, Queens University and University of Ulster.