Launched on Saturday, April 18, at the Art Central Gallery, ‘Otrovert’ is the first UK solo show from Lloyd Pursall, who has spent the past decade building a career in Los Angeles.

The exhibition is available to view at Art Central Gallery until July 4 (Image: Jack Blanch)

Councillor Naomi Marshallsea, mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, officially opened the event alongside Mr Pursall.

The exhibition features a blend of Mr Pursall’s high-profile work from LA alongside intimate new portraits and landscapes of Barry and its residents.

Also in attendance were Councillor Lis Burnette, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan council, and Councillor Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education, arts and the Welsh language.

Tracey Harding, arts development officer and gallery manager, curated the exhibition with support from the council’s arts team and worked closely with Mr Pursall throughout the process.

“Otrovert” was produced by his sister, Bethan Pursall, adding an extra layer of personal significance to the project.

Mr Pursall described the night as deeply meaningful.

He said: “It was exactly what I wanted the night to be.

“Not just an exhibition opening, but a reunion, A homecoming. A celebration, A chance to acknowledge your roots and the place that first shaped you; while also honouring the journey and every person you’ve met along the way. I wanted it to feel like a celebration of us all and hope it did that.”

British actress Elarica Johnson, who attended the opening, said: “I took a trip to Wales for Lloyd’s opening.

The event was attended by a range of people (Image: Jack Blanch)

“Amazing to see so much of his beautiful work on display for the public to enjoy.

“It was great to see photographs of myself featured as part of the exhibition, a lovely surprise for me!”

The evening was supported by Red Bull, Johnnie Walker, and Tiny Rebel, with music from DJs Josh Dunsford, Willis, and Hope Rose.

Refreshments included Welsh cake bites from the Rogue Welsh Cake Company, created by Penarth business owner Jo Granville.

The exhibition is supported by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Berry Smith Lawyers, and Giovannis Cardiff.

‘Otrovert’ runs until July 4 at Art Central Gallery, Barry Town Hall.

Opening hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays.