Mark Wheatley at Bookstack

It's nice to sit and have a refillable coffee and lemon cake at most times, but to be treated with the sight of good quality art at the same time makes the Bookstack Cafe a favourite place of mine in Worthing. As I write there is a particularly strong selection of works by Mark Wheatley which I would recommend you go and see before it's taken down. The works are a mixture of collage and painting. My first impression was one of controlled youthful expression, but on reading Mark's biography I realised he was only three years younger than me. When I say 'youthful', I do not mean 'immature' in any way. There is an energy to Mark's images which I find so refreshing. There is a Sixties feeling about them which shouts out 'Pop Art', but which is more painterly. Even the collaged elements have a painterly feel that is not forced, because the paint looks a lot like collage.

Many of the pieces do not have titles, just descriptions. 'Large orange piece with girl' is particularly strong. The main shape is a large, bulbous hour glass � a powerful shape in itself, but within it is a free-flowing arrangements of colours. The overall colour is orange, but within are yellow ochres and greys. The feeling is of a textile design with a childlike freedom.

A particular favourite is simply 'No. 3' � a piece in purples and reds which reminds me of early Hockney at it's best. So get along to Bookstack and tell them how much you enjoy the gallery space. Long may it prevail.