We might officially be in 2022, but there’s still plenty of time to look back at some of the most popular articles to be featured in Wales Arts Review during 2021. From a history of sheep and landscapes to futurism in a nostalgic Wales to the art of boredom in a time of lockdown and isolation, our articles have – as ever – enquired far and wide with intellectual curiosity and passion. Here are our top 10 most read articles of 2021!
10. Adam Price: History Must Reflect our Progression
The leader of Plaid Cymru, Adam Price, discusses the importance of knowing where you come from, and calls for Welsh history and LGBTQ+ history to be compulsory in the new Welsh curriculum. Read the full article here.
9. A Sheepish History of the World
Alan Marshall takes a deep dive into the sheepish history of the world and explores how sheep may continue to shape our landscapes in the future. Read the full article here.
8. Y BAE | Exhibiting during lockdown
Following the postponement of his solo exhibition Y BAE, Pete Jones reflects on the fluid nature of creating art during a pandemic and how his collection draws personal and cultural inspiration from his childhood in Hirael, Bangor. Read the full article here.
7. If Not the Brexit Festival… | What’s in a Name?
Gary Raymond offers some suggestions for names for the as-of-yet unnamed Festival of the UK 2022. Read the full article here.
6. Hiraeth | Futurism in Nostalgic Wales?
Jac Lewis considers the role of Welsh working-class history in the advancement of British capitalist modernity and reflects on the importance of nostalgia, or ‘hiraeth’, in shared Welsh identity as we enter a techno-scientific age. Read the full article here.
5. Arts and the Circular Economy: An Introduction
Brian Royson Mayne explores the ways in which different art forms are promoting sustainability and embracing the circular economy. Read the full article here.
4. The Art of Boredom | Writers Lament
Wales Arts Review compiles reflections from some of the finest writers of Wales on the elusive art of being, rejecting and wishing for boredom. Read the full article here.
3. When I Speak of Bravery | A Poem for Betty Campbell
Following the unveiling of the magnificent bronze statue of Betty Campbell in Cardiff’s Central Square, Taylor Edmonds, Future Generations Commissioner For Wales’ Poet in Residence, shares her commemorative poem. Read the full article here.
Heartfelt tributes from the likes of Gwenno, Elis James, Huw Stephens and many more on the sad passing of David R Edwards – Dave Datblygu. Read the full article here.
1. Finding Wales in the Manic Street Preachers
Tilly Foulkes tracks a journey of national identity – from her initial rejection of Wales to her final embracing of it – through the music and lore of the Manic Street Preachers. Read the full article here.
