JAPANESE philosophy and notions of beauty are explored in the latest exhibition at a town centre gallery.

Visual Arts Cheshire (VAC) Gallery, in Brunner Court, is featuring the work of four north west artists in the exhibition Ichi-go Ichi-e, which runs from September 13 to 21.

The exhibition will also feature a performance piece recreating the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

The four artists are Katie Johnson, Naoise Johnson-Martin, Rhyannon Parry and Jacqui Priestley, all founder members of the region’s newest artist-led collective ‘Yellow Door Artists’.

Jacqui, the group’s creative director, said: “In creating work for this exhibition our aim was to question western notions of beauty by offering instead an insight into the Japanese aesthetic of ‘Wabi – Sabi’.

“This ancient eastern philosophy is centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.

“In contrast to the West’s long held Greek ideals of beauty in symmetry and perfection, Wabi-Sabi celebrates instead the beauty of the imperfect, the irregular and the overlooked.

“We are thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to show this new body of work at VAC Gallery.

“I personally have strong connections with Northwich having spent two years living in the area whilst studying for my Fine Art Diploma at Mid Cheshire College.

“I am amazed at what VAC has achieved in the short time since it opened.

“It is testament to the endurance and determination of the arts.

“Sharing our creative practices sustains us when times are hard, in diversity, the real value of art lies not in its commercial appeal but in its ability to lift the spirit and restore the soul.”