Art; noun: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
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Image and attraction play a vital part in the success of any festival, so it’s no surprise that a substantial amount of attention has been paid to the art that populates this years’ Maes. As soon as visitors enter Eisteddfod 2014 and feast their eyes upon part of the Council Field, they’re greeted with a cacophony of colour that’s the result of an Arts Council Funding grant – and the great ideas of a range of local people.
The flags are the first to make an impression. Dotted around the Maes, they soar into the air and provide an emotive burst of colour among the sea of white tents. They add another level to the celebration and increase the scale of the event, as a few plains of grass are converted into the setting of a buzzing cultural festival.
As well as the wind cheaters, a variety of pianos can also be found around the Maes – but you may need to look twice to realise their instrumental purpose given their extravagant decoration. Co-oridnated by Aberystwyth born artist Bethan Clwyd, local schools worked with a “Llanelli” theme to decorate each piano for display at the Eisteddfod. One proudly displays the Scarlets logo on it’s back, while another is covered with the lyrics of Llanelli rugby anthem “Sosban Fach” daring anyone who feels talented enough to come and play it on the keys.
An impressive range of sculptures also grace the Maes, one of which is an impressive-funnel like structure that appears to be creating water from nothing. Bizarre from a distance and perhaps even stranger up close, the construction was inspired by the local steelworks industry and will be bound to evoke opinions from local residents and those from further afield alike.
Consistent with the art theme and as an ode to the iconic Maes Carafannau (Caravan Park), there is also a small caravan situated near the food outlets in which people can use to just chill and soak up the atmosphere.
This is nothing more than a snapshot of the art exhibits that exist on the Maes, but it goes some way to highlighting the imagination and creativity that exists in the local and wider community.
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