“Because it’s there”
‘Khumbu Glacier From Kala Pattar - 5643m Everest Basecamp’ 30 x 30 cm (Litter Collage)
In April 2019, Peter Kettle and Filmmaker Al Green travelled to Nepal to hike to Everest Basecamp. British Artist - Peter Kettle RCA - collected litter throughout a 14 day climb to Everest Basecamp, to be recycled into enpleinair (painting at the scene) Oil and Collage paintings. With a large canvas roll strapped to his back, battling subzero temperatures and high altitude conditions; the aim of the project was to present and honour the landscape artistically; but also draw attention to growing concerns regarding waste management in the Himalayas. A remarkable effort has been made by the local Sherpa community, Charities and Nepalese government to clear Basecamp of discarded equipment. However, parts of the Himalayas still need attention and support keeping this incredible landscape free of plastic and litter. Kettle has since gathered the smaller field paintings, litter collages and sketches to explore an abstract expressionist response to his experience.
Directed by Al Green, the short film below brings together a documentary, and an expression, of mettle and art to the worlds tallest cathedral - Mt. Everest. The Everest Basecamp Exhibition will be running in the UK July 2020.
“To the foot of the World’s tallest
cathedral”
“In some ways, it felt very much like a pilgrimage towards the world’s tallest cathedral, Mt. Everest. At the end of each weary day, we knew we would eventually be meeting something majestic. At 70% oxygen, fatigued and with a biting cold wind, it was difficult to find words for arriving at the foot of Everest. Mainly the feeling was awe, with an underbelly of relief and a total sense of escape. It was beautiful; but that beauty was a collection of all the moments getting there. If you dropped us off in a helicopter at Basecamp and showed us Basecamp, it would look like a large scoop of ice sitting beneath an eroded black rock. But after 10 days eating, sleeping and dreaming of Everest Basecamp, it became a rite of passage to something bigger; shared with others.”
‘Prayer Flags, Mt Ama Dablam, Nepal’ - 60 x 80 cm
‘Stone Cairn, Mt. Ama Dablam’ - 60 x 80 cm
‘Everest Bridge, Nepal’ - 80 x 80 cm - Collage and Oil on Canvas
“it became a rite of passage to something bigger;
shared with others”
LITTER COLLAGE SKETCHES
PAINTINGS
Mt Pumori, Everest Basecamp Sunset - 90 x 110cm Oil on Canvas
Everest Basecamp - Sunrise 100 x 70 cm
Mt. Ama Dablam - 120 x 80 cm - Mixed Media on Canvas
Stupa and Mt .Lobuche - Nepal - 120 x 80 cm - Mixed Media on Canvas
River Crossing, Mt. Ama Dablam - Nepal - 80 x 80 cm - Oil and Collage on Canvas
The Winding Trek - Everest Basecamp 100 x 120 cm
“FRANK Water Is A Safe Water & Sanitation Charity. Since 2005, We’ve Provided Safe Water & Sanitation To 386,500 People. ”
Peter Kettle RCA will be donating to Frank Water charity with every painting that is sold throughout the Albany Gallery Exhibition March 12th - April 4th 2020. Below is a short film about Frank Water charity.
SANGITA’S STORY
Sangita is 13 years old.
Until recently, Sangita, her mother and sisters would spend hours everyday walking to the nearest supply of water. Even when they got there, the water was often contaminated and unsafe to drink. Watch Frank Water’s two-minute film to see how life has changed for Sangita.