Kaleidoscope: An explosion of colour and sequence in 1960s British art

Bringing together exceptional examples of painting and sculpture from the Arts Council Collection, and augmented with major loans from important UK collections, Kaleidoscope examines the art of the swinging '60s through a fresh and surprising lens, one "bringing into direct view the relationship between colour and form, rationality and irrationality, order and waywardness".

Of course, British art of the 1960s is often noted for its bold, artificial colour, alluring surfaces and capricious shapes and forms, yet these exuberant qualities are often underpinned by a clearly apparent order, founded on repetition, sequence and symmetry.

Kaleidoscope represents the work of over 20 artists including David Annesley, Anthony Caro, Robyn Denny, Tess Jaray, Phillip King, Kim Lim, Jeremy Moon, Mary Martin, Bridget Riley, Tim Scott, Richard Smith, William Tucker and William Turnbull. Curated with the writer and curator, Sam Cornish, the exhibition offers fresh insight into a period of British art which has attracted surprisingly little critical attention.

Beyond its art historical significance, the idea of repetition and symmetry is immediately accessible to a wide audience. Together the works create a visually arresting display and a feast of colour and form in the gallery. Running until 18 June 2017.

Main image: Kaleidoscope: Colour and Sequence in 1960s British Art | Image courtesy of artist