Complementary Contrasts
16 - 22 July 2025, Open daily, 10am - 4pm.

Antonella Scarpa-Isles, fine artist
Michael Isles, photographer

The exhibition explores themes of city and country, aligning and contrasting Antonella’s painterly approach using acrylic and oils on paper and canvas, with Michael’s search for artistic expression in the capturing of contemporary architecture, often in abstract ‘pieces’ of the buildings. The intention is to showcase the environments we visit and have relationships with, using two very different mediums to show both connection and separation.

Antonella Scarpa-Isles

Antonella, originally from Italy, began her artistic journey studying art in her home country. In her early twenties, she moved to the UK and later earned a BA(Hons) degree in Fine Art, including a student exchange at the Academy of Art in Bologna.

While living in Bath, Antonella was an active member and company secretary of Bath Artist Printmakers. During this time, she developed a unique process of starting her paintings with monoprinting and finishing them with layers of acrylic. Over time, her work has evolved towards a more painterly approach, now exploring both canvas and paper.

Now based in Cheltenham, Antonella’s paintings are a direct response to the landscape. Rather than depicting specific locations, her work aims to capture a mood or atmosphere inviting viewers to interpret the imagery in ways that resonate personally. She draws from photographs, sketches and memory, enjoying the way nature evokes hidden memories and forgotten impressions, often leading to surprising and unintended results.

Michael Isles

Michael Isles has been taking photographs since the late 1970s, when he was tutored and mentored by exhibition photographer, Richard Ravensdale FRGS, and subsequently studied photography at a local arts and technology college. He’s currently a professional member of Axis Contemporary Visual Arts Network and a member of the Royal Photographic Society.

Minimalism and mindfulness are two descriptors that Michael feels work well with his photography and his work as an education consultant in social work and mental health. Mindfulness can be said to be the conscious awareness of the moment, Michael’s intention being to provide a space for the viewer to become absorbed in. Minimalism is perhaps summed up as an appreciation of simple forms and a recognition that, to quote a well-used adage, “less is more”.

All of the photographs on display at the exhibition are signed and printed by Michael, who also mounts and frames each one. Some are limited editions, please check the label for details.