THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY 

by Rene Challancin and Suzanne Marchant

"Finally! We are so excited to share what we have been up to during lockdown in our first exhibition. Join us for an evening of art and connection at opening night in Montsalvat’s stunning Long Gallery on Wednesday 22nd December, featuring a live performance by the beautiful HoneyBea Fusion. 

Dress up! Now’s the time to wear that amazing outfit you bought during lockdown and haven’t been able to wear. 

The Agony and the Ecstasy is a collaborative exhibition of portrait works by two artists, Rene Challancin and Suzanne Marchant. 

Both seasoned tattoo artists forced into lockdown, Rene and Suzanne have both taken the opportunity to reconnect with their first love, painting. By exhibiting together they highlight how they each capture the female form in unique ways according to their difference in personality and life experience. 

Suzanne, a mother, seasoned artist and teacher, uses bright colours to effortlessly capture fleeting moments of laughter, sensuality and unique performing personalities, inspired by the burlesque and cabaret performers that she loves. 

Rene, a younger queer artist, draws on their experiences of mental illness and gender dysphoria to explore intimate moments of deep emotion and the archetypal facets of the feminine spirit. 

These different approaches are rare to see in polarising collaboration with one another, something which is sorely needed in today’s social and artistic climate of cancel culture and the search for actualisation of the feminine identity. "

Rene Challancin and Suzanne Marchant
The Agony and the Ecstasy
The Long Gallery
23rd December 2021 - 16th January 2022

OPENING NIGHT
Wednesday 22nd December
6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Long Gallery
Drinks and nibbles provided
Musical Entertainment on offer
Entry is Free, but Booking Required
QR Code Check-In and Proof of Vaccination required on arrival