By: OSMOND, Osi Rhys (1942-2015)

Acq. Number: 903

Dimensions: 140 x 170 cm

Artwork_Medium: oil on canvas

Purchased: 2025

Buyer: OOSTHUIZEN, Ann – gift

Location: Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales National Museum Cardiff

Town: Cardiff

Content: Osi Rhys Osmond’s Hawk and Helicopter series is an account of the artist’s experiences, thoughts and observations while watching and painting the sunset from a favourite high point facing south-west, overlooking Carmarthen Bay. The area is designated by the Countryside Council for Wales as a Special Area of Conservation, while also housing a military testing ground on its estuary edge. Mission Gallery, 2011: ‘The innocence of coastal land suddenly becomes something else. This is the hawk’s home and he kills to live. The helicopter comes to rehearse killing for strategic reasons, the land, sea and air lose their virtue, beauty becomes conflated with terror.’ Exhibited: Hawk and Helicopter, Mission Gallery, Swansea, 15 January - 20 March 2011

Notes: Osi (Donald Malcolm) Osmond (b. 28 June 1942, Bristol; d. 6 March 2015, Llansteffan) studied at Newport and Cardiff Schools of Art. A respected and charismatic lecturer, an insightful writer and reviewer and a television and radio presenter, he was also an activist for Plaid Cymru and for peace movements (eg for CND and campaigning against militarisation).