Art shop raises festive questions

Artist Sian Green said an empty shop was an ideal art gallery

Weary Christmas shoppers can get an alternative view of the festive season if they pop into one Gwynedd art shop.

The Caernarfon store is open for only three days until Sunday, but it features a specially commissioned video art installation in the cellar.

The installation is by the group Cymdeithas y Rhyfeddod (Society of Marvels), and istriggered by visitors walking on pads on the floor.

Artist Gwion Llwyd said it was to make people think about Christmas excesses.

"We put the installation together especially for the art shop and it is the second event Cymdeithas y Rhyfeddod has been involved in," said Mr Llwyd, who worked on the installation with Mei Tomos and Sion Aaron.

Cymdeithas y Rhyfeddod is made up of artists who feature all kinds of media in their work, including music and film.

I enjoy Christmas as much as the next person. It is just meant to make people think. Gwion Llwyd

"Visitors press buttons on the floor to reveal 12 images and 12 different messages which are projected onto the wall showing the consumerism of Christmas and the different ways people live," said Mr Llwyd.

But despite pointing out the excesses of the season, and the differences in the lives of children across the world, he said it was not meant to spoil anyone's enjoyment.

"I enjoy Christmas as much as the next person. It is just meant to make people think.

"For the best explanation of the work people should go and see it for themselves," he added.

Artist Sian Green said: "I've had this idea for a while now and thought a shop like this would be a natural space to sell art work for Christmas.

"Around 25 to 30 artists have contributed work and it's going really well, with many people popping in as they do their shopping," she added.