Pop star H reveals life-changing connection to south Wales valleys
- The exhibition showcased artworks representing the south Wales valleys, focusing on both industrialization and community life.
- H from Steps shared personal reflections on how the artwork resonated with his family history and the region's heritage.
- The event served to challenge negative perceptions of the valleys, highlighting their joy and vibrancy.
In a recent exhibition showcasing the south Wales valleys, pop star and painter H from the group Steps shared his personal connection to the region. He emphasized that his friends and family still live in the valleys, suggesting a strong, ongoing emotional bond with the area. Viewing artworks depicting both the harsh industrial history and the vibrant community life in the valleys resonated deeply with him. H noted that seeing these depictions felt like a significant reflection on his life and the lives of his ancestors. The exhibition sought to challenge the typical perceptions of the valleys as solely grey and industrial. Instead, H highlighted the joy, happiness, and vibrancy that also characterizes the region. The display included a collection of photographs by Tina Carr and Annemarie Schöne titled "Coalfaces: Life After Coal in the Afan Valley." This work was particularly impactful as it documented life in the valleys post-deindustrialization, aiming to empower marginalized communities through photography. These photographs captured moments of domestic life and leisure among families in the Afan Valley. Ms. Colquhoun, a commentator on the exhibition, noted that these images beautifully depict the innocence of childhood and challenge prevailing stereotypes about the region and its inhabitants. Her emotional response to the exhibition indicated the strong resonance of the artworks with viewers and the significant cultural representation they provided. The exhibition highlights the rich heritage and culture of south Wales, which historically experienced rapid industrial development. By the early 19th century, the region had become the world’s leading iron producer and a major coal mining area by the 20th century. Despite the decline in these industries, the legacy of the valleys endures through stories, art, and community pride. H's involvement in this exhibition emphasizes the need to celebrate and acknowledge the layered history of working-class art and the experiences of the people living in these communities.