Above: ‘Treescape IV’ acrylic on canvas (120cm x 150cm)
An image from the latest show I assisted curating / organising at theartmarket & Kunstfreund gallery. The show is ‘Landscapes’ by good friend of ours Stephen Clatworthy – painter, pianist. We’ve been lucky enough to have experienced Steve’s painting from the safe confines of his studio over the last couple of years, and I must say (with a sigh of relief) it’s about time he’s actually got a show, it’s been a painful experience for us chaps watching Steve labour away without any urgency to exhibit these lovely works. I suppose the nature of painting isn’t as immediate as my personal practice, so I find it difficult to relate to the process. A daunting prospect, his patience and by extension the patience of a painter is admirable. I’ve personally grown very fond of the paintings, they take time to effect you – much like the manner in which they are made, my personal favourite is the image above. The starting point of the paintings was the result of a residency Stephen did in Hovingham – North Yorkshire in relative isolation, in the beautiful Yorkshire coutryside. The images document the changing landscape throughout the seasons, although the works are not expclitly about this, they communicate it, the subsequent additions post residency, applied on-top of earlier renderings move the works out of simple, referential image making and are concerned more with the discipline of painting. The process is bedded in Stephens’ personal decision making, with regard to the approach of texture and detail, set firmly within the parameters of his medium. The images are layered and several different approaches are taken and applied. The result are a set of paintings that are very dense and intricate as much as they are abstract. Steve has provided a very nice piece of text to accompany the works – they’re available to pick up from theartmarket. I think Culture Vultures’ very own Elly Snare is going to write a more objective – thorough review here at some point soon.
Info about the show:
STEPHEN CLATWORTHY – LANDSCAPES
10.06.10 – 24.06.10 (12-5pm)
theartmarket
& Kunstfreund Gallery
Unit 60 / 61 / 62 / 63
The Merrion Market
Leeds. WY. UK. LS2 8D8
‘Enjoy’ are opening their doors next weekend (Fri 16th ’10 til Late’, Sat 17th ‘7pm – 11pm’ July / 5/4 pound) and are hosting a weekend of electronic sound and music. I’m very excited about this space, the top floor is an industrial warehouse, wooden floors, white walls – complete with exposed industrial pillars – a really nice venue. It’s the latest space to open up ‘down that end o’town’ Close to MAP Gallery, Factory 4 & East street arts. This area could prove to be the City’s cultural hub in months to come. Enjoy was set up by Leeds Met students to showcase their end of year exhibition, they liked it so much they decided to negotiate keeping it. There’s another floor that will be dedicated to artists studios, one of which I’ve decided to take because I was that impressed. I’m aware there are a few more spaces available – so if you’re interested it would be worth getting in touch.
Enjoy
Unit 22
Mabgate
Leeds LS9 7DZ