Sunderland landmarks get fantasy setting in new exhibition

From swans gliding in front of Hylton Castle to Mowbray Park’s Walrus sat amongst a kaleidoscope of exotic blooms, Bethany Carr’s paintings transport well-known structures from her hometown to utopian settings.

The eye-catching landscapes were created as part of a final project, entitled Picturesque Sunderland, for the 21-year-old’s Masters degree in Fine Art at Sunderland University.

The Houghton artist’s work even captured the imagination of curators at Creative Cohesion gallery and arts space in Sunniside who displayed the works for a two-night exhibition.

Bethany, who says she draws inspiration from artists such as Peter Doig, Thomas Kinkade and Walt Disney, said: “Sunderland gets a bad press sometimes so I wanted to make it more utopian and escapist.

“ I’ve given the landmarks an almost fairytale appearance, so that people can see the beauty in Sunderland.”

Speaking of the exhibition, Bethany said: “I approached a few places and was turned down, so I’m so grateful to Creative Cohesion. It was an amazing opportunity to exhibit my work and I hope that my exhibition encourages other aspiring artists like myself to come forward and share their art with the world.”