THE WORK of an artist once commissioned to paint the ceiling of one of the world's most famous galleries goes on show today. [24/10]

A free exhibition featuring creations by the 20th century American painter, sculptor and calligraphist Cy Twombly opens at the De La Warr Pavilion until January.

Known for his large-scale, freely scribbled, calligraphic and graffiti-like work, Twombly was once asked to paint the ceiling of a room in The Louvre in Paris and his work has appeared on display at the Liverpool Tate Gallery, alongside that of William Turner and Claude Monet.

Four paintings representing different seasons in a collection called Quattro Stagioni will hang in the Bexhill venue's Gallery 2.

Picking on a key subject of Western art, the four seasons are thought to be symbols of the natural cycles of birth and death. Each of the four pieces are more than three metres tall and they will feature on separate walls in the gallery.

Stewart Drew, the pavilion's director and chief executive, said: “To be able to have work from one of the most prestigious American artists of the 20th century is an excellent achievement for us.

“This is a significant line of work that is very important to Bexhill and the South East. Compared to other pieces we have received in the past, it ranks very highly. I was there when the paintings were delivered and I was very excited.

“For Bexhill to be able to show work of a national and international standard is very important to us.

“We want to offer an excellent service to the region and we also hope to attract visitors from further afield."

The pavilion is also hosting a talk on November 28, in which art historian Colin Pink will describe the evolution of Twombly’s work.

Twombly, who died in 2011 aged 83, spent most of his life in Rome, often drawing inspiration from literature, history and beauty he found in European culture.

For more information on the exhibition call 01424 229111.