Bedwyr Williams’ work includes stand-up comedy, sculpture and painting, posters and photography. He draws on his own experiences and his take on the world is simultaneously satirical and deadly serious – he reveals both his and our own complex neurosis and idiosyncrasies. His installation, text based works and live performances explore subject matter ranging from growing up in Colwyn Bay with size 13 feet, to a mini bus crash with four other artists in residence (in which he is the only survivor).
NIMROD, a recent solo exhibition, further exposed the ludicrous fears that drive and restrain us all and is a great example of entire environments that he creates. Through this broad range of media, a strong sense of surrealistic humour and a sharp critical mind, he explores notions of what it means to be an artist born, living and working in the regions. He makes work relevant to a sense of place and belonging but simultaneously refuses to be compromised or pigeon-holed by provincial tastes or stereotypes.
Bedwyr Williams studied from 1994-1997 in London at the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, subsequently receiving a grant of the Ateliers Arnhem in the Netherlands. He lives in Gwynedd, in the north of Wales. He has been shortlisted for Becks Futures 2006 showing at the ICA, London, CCA, Glasgow and Arnolfini, Bristol and represented Wales at the 2005 Venice Biennale with a project called ‘Basta’. Alongside involvement in group exhibitions, for example at the Royal College of Art in London, CAC Vilnius and Chapter in Cardiff, Williams regularly exhibits his work at Ceri Hand Gallery in Liverpool which represents him.