Following an overwhelming response to our IN:SIGHT competition, we're delighted to announce that the finalists' winning artworks will be revealed at our Summer Exhibition in Manchester later this month
WELCOME
CONTENTS
CREATIVE REVIEW
IN:SIGHT 2018
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ALEXANDRA GALLAGHER
CHARLOTTE FLEMING
CLARE KENT
DAVID DOWNES
DAVID FRENCH
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JOHN HARRISON
PHILIP MCKAY
RICHARD LEVINE
SADIE AUCOTT
STEVE DINSDALE
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SUCCESS STORIES
STYLE GUIDE
MANCHESTER
JUDGING PANEL
WELCOME TO THE EXHIBITION
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ED FAIRBURN
ELLIOT WALKER
EMMA SKELDON
JANA NICOLE
JOE WEBB
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STEVIE NICHOLSON
MONOMOKO TIM CHRISTIE
TOM VOYCE
VICTOR MIKHAILOV
WILFRED WITTMANN
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REMEMBER TO CAST YOUR VOTE!
SIMPLY VISIT WWW.CASTLEGALLERIES.COM/SUMMER-EXHIBITION
ON PAGE 102
CREATIVE REVIEW
Now in its fourth year, IN:SIGHT has established itself as a bastion of breaking talent, and has attracted more emerging and established artists this year than ever before. Diverse, committed and accomplished, each and every exhibitor is a worthy finalist. It is a great source of pride for all concerned to present this year’s line-up, whose collective talent and commitment has allowed us to curate our Summer Exhibition 2018. Through the past twelve months of momentous political, social and cultural changes globally, art has proved a constant; a warmly welcomed source of stability and solace. As such, much has been reported by key industry figures that highlights the resilience of the art market in the face of such an uncertain climate. We will undoubtedly continue to see compelling exhibitions throughout the remainder of the year in response to – or, arguably, in defiance of – the ongoing issues we face as a global community. Thematically, commemoration will endure, with 2018 being the anniversary of many moments that changed the course of modern day history, from suffrage to the end of WWI. Whilst on the subject of past events, I invite you to read more about our ‘success stories’ from last year’s Summer Exhibition in the coming pages. It is extremely heartening to see artists come through our Creative Review programme and proceed to achieve the recognition they deserve from critics and collectors alike. I envisage equal success for the artists featured in this year’s Summer Exhibition, and I look forward to revisiting their achievements this time next year.
GLYN WASHINGTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | WASHINGTON GREEN
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After three brilliant years showcasing the IN:SIGHT Summer Exhibition at Castle Fine Art in Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, we are bringing this year’s selection to our beautiful Grade II space on King Street, in the heart of Manchester’s luxury shopping district. Like Birmingham, Manchester is a flourishing, diverse cultural hub which has seen a recent investment in the arts. A city as well-known for its robust character as its pioneering industry, fight for female emancipation and sport and musical legends, Manchester is now one to watch for arts and culture. Following an international call for aspiring visual artists working in any field or medium to submit their work to a panel of art reviewers, a final selection of 20 British and international artists was made. The spectrum of pieces ranges from sculptures and screenprints to digital creations, oil paintings and photography. Our guest judges and directors will choose an overall winner, who will receive a £2,000 prize and an exclusive chance to publish their work with Washington Green Fine Art Group. We hope to introduce audiences to previously unfamiliar styles and subject matter, and we hope visitors will thoroughly enjoy the selection. Plus don’t forget to choose your People’s Choice Award winner!
HOLLY RACKHAM
EXHIBITION MANAGER | WASHINGTON GREEN
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2015 2016 2017 PAST EXHIBITIONS
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MATTHEW HAMPSHIRE SUMMER EXHIBITION 2017
SUCCESS STORIES
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Self-taught photographer Matthew has travelled across the globe in search of the world’s most beautiful abandoned places.
Crowned the winner of the 2017 People’s Choice Award, the Lincolnshire-based artist won crowds over with his haunting photographs. From asylums and hospitals to churches and theatres, the lost and forgotten are conjured from the darkness into the light of his camera lens. Matthew explains: “I am drawn to the beauty of buildings and places that nature has claimed back. I want to capture a glimpse of their story while allowing our imagination to decide what could be hiding there.” After buying his first digital camera in 2000, Matthew began experimenting with light painting and long-exposure photography. Whilst looking for places unscarred by light pollution, he discovered the eerie beauty of abandoned buildings. Matthew says: “I approach my work with a totally open mind. Every time I go out with my camera, I seek to capture scenes in my own unique way, whether it’s a house full of decay or a factory with machines that are now silent.” Inspired by the surreal world of M.C. Escher, Matthew’s images flicker between the contrast of light and shadow. Solid areas of black add depth and space, whilst horizontal and perpendicular lines give the pieces an architectural feel. Before photographing each scene, he walks through the building to look for the shot that will best represent the location. Keen to act on his own emotions and impulses, he enters the area without looking at previously-taken images. He adds: “My photographs represent my passion for translating stories from camera into print. I love the mix of mechanical and biological forms… of everyday scenes in a completely fantastical world.” Over the last five years, he has visited the Ukraine, Italy, Bulgaria, Belgium, Germany, Austria, France and Luxembourg to uncover the secrets of these otherworldly locations.
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As a former Miss France, Pascale is no stranger to the world of fashion. Unabashedly emotional, she challenges gender stereotypes by using clothes as a symbol of strength and sexuality. She explains: “Fashion is one of the most important means of communication. It is a way of transcending the difficulty of being part of a sex that is both venerated and scorned, honoured and humiliated. We are no longer confined by an ideal standard of femininity or beauty, but can instead celebrate our true selves through what we wear.” The artist, who lives in Pau in south-western France, explores the complexities of life as a 21st century woman in her series of oil paintings. Displayed at our 2017 exhibition, Pascale’s figurative artworks express a burning passion for self-expression through the use of colour and texture. Her studio walls are adorned with drawings, photographs and images from magazines, which she fuses to create figures that are both personal and universal. Painting on canvas with extra-fine oil, she blocks in her sketch before allowing the piece to choose its own direction. Fusing themes of feminism with razor-sharp observation, Pascale’s hyperrealistic pieces present fashion as an art of conquest. Clothing is not an inanimate object, but a multi- layered symbol that can reveal much about us. Sunglasses become a way to shield our secrets from others, while shoes are an indicator of status, wealth and even libido. She adds: “Like painting, sculpture or dance, clothes are a way of revealing a vision. Shoes are an intensely sexual symbol, whether it’s the erotic nature of the foot or the eyes of a man slowly sliding along an ankle before continuing their ascent. When a woman wears heels, her body changes: her figure sways, her head is upright and her shoulders are back. It’s so sexy.
“My work is not a question of delivering a beautiful body bound by societal rules, but a fashion world that is a way of truly expressing oneself.”
Pascale’s new collection will be released in autumn 2018.
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PASCALE TAURUA SUMMER EXHIBITION 2017
SUCCESS STORIES
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STYLE GUIDE
With every year that passes, our Summer Exhibition gathers momentum and attracts ever-growing numbers both of artists who submit their work as well as visitors to the exhibition. Thus the onus falls to our in-house Studio team to up the ante and design a branding concept that both reflects the calibre of artwork on display and speaks to the industry trends for the year. We spoke toMatt Johnson, Designer for Washington Green Fine Art Group and Castle Fine Art, to hear first-hand about the creative process that lies behind the final execution of the branding…
MATT, DID YOU START WITH A PARTICULAR IDEA OR THEME IN MIND?
I wanted to weave the theme of summer into the branding, working into the mood board bright colours associated with festivals for a real carnival feel. Also, summer always conjures up images in my head of gardens in full bloom, really luscious and exotic plants of all different colours flowering alongside each other, a full spectrum of colours looking almost neon in bright sunshine. Think ‘Chelsea Flower Show meets Rio de Janeiro meets Coachella’!
HOW DID YOU TRANSLATE THAT INTO THE COLOUR PALETTE
FOR THIS BRANDING?
I decided on three key colours – blue, pink and yellow – and went to work playing them off against each other, overlapping them and contrasting them throughout the designs, to make them pop visually, and derive a really loud, instantly noticeable, final iteration. Although balancing three such bold colours might seem like lunacy, it’s a great base to work with, and it was enjoyable to explore the varying treatments I could apply to the branded materials.
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DID YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER HOW THE BRANDING WOULD
WORK WITHIN THE VENUE?
Absolutely; branding has to be context – as well as content – driven. It was a joy to design for Castle Fine Art on King Street though, because the styling of the gallery lends itself to so many options. It’s contemporary and slick, but it also carries so many traditional elements from the original building, and already has a very eclectic feel thanks to how the interior has been finished. All the textures, fabrics, metallic elements and various wood tones gave me great scope.
ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?
Only that I hope visitors to the exhibition get that ‘party’ feel from the environment we’ve tried to create, and that it enhances their enjoyment of the artwork… that means I’ve done my job!
C=57 M=0 Y=15 K=0
C=0 M=93 Y=29 K=0
C=0 M=0 Y=100 K=0
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MANCHESTER: SUMMER EXHIBITION 2018
Summer Exhibition 2018 will play host to many firsts. We have introduced an Innovation Category award, there’s a glittering awards evening in the diary and an esteemed panel of judges – all of whom are pioneers in their respective creative disciplines – will critique our exhibiting artists’ work. With a potential publishing contract on the table, plus a cash prize and art supplies from Cass Art, the stakes have never been higher. However, above all else, this year marks the first time the event will be held outside of Birmingham. For the reasons listed below, and more, we simply could not think of a better destination than Manchester.
Its past is synonymous with innovation and industry, with the city earning its worker bee symbol from the vast number of textile mills in the 1800s, which were referred to as ‘hives of activity’. Today, its present and future are proudly rooted in its prestigious arts and culture scene. Boasting a wealth of galleries, museums, pop-ups and everything in between, Manchester is a powerhouse of artistic movement and growth. Later this year, the Manchester Art Fair – the largest, most prestigious and longest-established in the North – will reveal its biggest line- up in its 10-year history, setting the tone for Manchester’s arts and culture vision.
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Recent times have illustrated a period of both turbulence and triumph for the people of Manchester. The May 2017 terrorist attack shook the city and the entire nation to its core. In defiance of the fear and division the attack aimed to create, the people of Manchester instead came together and rose phoenix-like from the sadness and loss, showing unity in the face of that which would strip this proud city of everything it holds dear. Fittingly, many of the citywide memorials and commemorations installed this year to mark the anniversary of the attack were expressed through the medium of art. Using images, lyrics and poetry, the love of Manchester’s people shouted
louder than words could ever be uttered. Song lyrics were projected onto buildings in and around St Ann’s Square, whose church also played host to the ‘Embracing Manchester’ art exhibition. Art, whatever its form, is one of the most universal and unifying languages of all. Manchester’s heart and soul embraced its kinship with art to create scenes not only of mourning, but of hope. We look forward to making our own contribution to Manchester’s diverse and accomplished art scene, and hope that our visitors will agree that Summer Exhibition 2018 has done its host city proud.
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JUDGING PANEL
ANISA HAGHDADI MBE
Social entrepreneur Anisa is a recipient of the British Empire Medal for her services to education and young people. She set up her first enterprise in Birmingham as a 15-year- old, and has since founded several companies, including Beatfreeks. This award winning business engages young people in arts, training and leadership opportunities.
In addition to being awarded an honorary doctorate from Aston University, she has appeared on the front page of The Observer News Review and has been named one of the 50 New Radicals ‘changing the UK for the better’. Anisa says: “I’m thrilled to be judging the IN:SIGHT finalists representing the creative industries and the rich youth culture we boast in this great city. I’m excited to meet my fellow judges and, most importantly, witness the work these artists have poured themselves into.”
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ANOUSKA LANCASTER
Former artist Anouska is an award-winning interior designer and interiors journalist.
She set up Noushka design in 2007 with a passion to create spaces with the ultimate ‘wow factor’ to truly reflect her clients’ personality and individuality. She has appeared across numerous television channels, including ITV, Channel 4 and Sky.
Along with writing for some of the world’s leading interior titles, she has also featured in countless newspapers, magazines and blogs both nationally and internationally.
Anouska says: “I am truly honoured to be a judge on the panel at the Summer Exhibition. I am deeply passionate about art, and I am an ambassador for a more distinctive use of art in the design world.”
GLYN WASHINGTON
As co-founder of our publisher Washington Green, Glyn has overseen both the company and our artists for over 20 years.
From taking risks on unknown artists to establishing them as household names, Glyn knows our art better than anyone.
Glyn says: “We invest heavily in our talent and want to see them develop and grow. Our aim is to build reputations for the long-term. I’m very proud of our artists and the galleries we sell our art through. I think we offer the very best that’s around today – it’s great art in a great environment.”
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IAN WEATHERBY-BLYTHE
Ian is the managing director of Washington Green and opened the first Castle Galleries retail outlet in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1995. His vision was to make fine art more accessible, and when the opportunity to merge with Washington Green arose, this paved the way for greater things. Today, the business has grown from an independent gallery into a national brand with over 30 galleries across the UK and collectors all over the world.
Specialising in original and hand-signed limited edition works from some of today’s finest contemporary artists, Castle Galleries is now the UK’s leading group of retail galleries.
Ian says: “The thing that sets us apart is our passion – we’re passionate about our artists, our work and our clients.”
LIESEL THOMAS
As a partnerships and outreach manager at Cass Art – the UK’s leading art supplies retailer – Liesel works with major galleries, museums, art fairs, studios and brands. She studied painting at the UCL Slade School of Fine Art and is also a practising artist who lives and works in London. Earlier this year, she was selected for the BP Portrait Award exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
Liesel says: “I’m delighted to be on the judging panel for IN:SIGHT 2018. I look forward to seeing a diverse range of work in a broad variety of media: a true reflection of the contemporary art world today.”
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LUTHFUR RAHMAN
Luthfur is the Executive Member for Schools, Culture and Leisure and a Labour councillor for Longsight, Manchester – one of the most diverse communities in the North West. He supports several voluntary organisations and charities and is particularly passionate about empowering young people and women. Currently, he serves a board member of the Young Foundation’s UpRising programme and Manchester International Festival amongst others.
Luthfur says: “I was really impressed with the recent Scarlett Raven ‘The Danger Tree’ installation at Manchester Central Library, and am delighted to continue to develop our relationship by being part of this exciting forthcoming exhibition in Manchester.”
ROBERT OXLEY
Contemporary artist Robert is a former IN:SIGHT finalist and is now one of our most popular artists.
After impressing judges at our Summer Exhibition in 2015, he launched his debut collection – which proved to be the first of many. Capturing the animal kingdom in all its glory, he delights fans with his signature ‘dripping paint’ style, which he describes as “low-brow pop surrealism with a wildlife twist”.
It’s a dream come true for the passionate conservationist, who as a boy hoped to become a zoo keeper. Now the lions, tigers and elephants who roamed his imagination are given new life in his dazzling paintings!
REMEMBER TO CAST YOUR VOTE!
SIMPLY VISIT WWW.CASTLEGALLERIES.COM/SUMMER-EXHIBITION
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ON PAGE 102
WELCOME TO THE EXHIBITION
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Democratic and diverse at its heart, the Summer Exhibition is acknowledged as the most popular open-submission occasion in the art calendar, where works by established names sit alongside those by emerging and aspiring artists. As we open our very own Summer Exhibition, we reflect on the history surrounding this bastion of the art world, and explore its contemporary guise, appeal and function. Beginning within the context of the British art scene, we must look to the Royal Academy for our baseline. Champions of the Summer Exhibition tradition, their own is the undisputed longest-running of its kind, having been held without interruption since 1769. Such is the reverence for this institution, the Academy has curated a major exhibition this year, coordinated by Grayson Perry and his fellow committee of RA artists, in celebration of the 250th anniversary, devoted to its history and the legacy it has bequeathed. The exhibition will extend across the newly-expanded cultural campus and even reach beyond its walls, spilling out into the capital’s West End by virtue of an installation of over 200 flags, designed by fellows of the Royal Academy. Indeed, the concept of a Summer Exhibition has translated and evolved in recent times, adopted as a practice by industries with little or no connection to the world of art. We have seen many institutions embrace the tradition, from Goodwood to The Royal Society, architectural faculties at leading universities and local historical societies. These occasions, much like our own Summer Exhibition, are held to celebrate the achievements of the participants and promote competition and collaboration. Since its emergence in the 18th century, the Summer Exhibition has chronicled social change. The carefully curated displays have mirrored the pivotal moments in modern history, from the role of women through the increasing prominence of contributing female artists, to themes of imperialism, politics and warfare, as reflected in the subject matter of the work within the collections. Given the events of recent months, and the centenaries that fall in 2018, this now has more resonance and relevance than ever. Further, it is often possible to track the shifts within the selection committees based on the final collections they present, and the ensuing critical writings that the exhibitions attract. In short, it is not hyperbole to state that the Summer Exhibition acts as a thermometer for what’s hot and what’s not, a barometer that measures socio-economic pressures and a compass that sets the path for our next direction of travel.
DANIELA LACEY
HEAD OF MARKETING | WASHINGTON GREEN
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ALEXANDRA GALLAGHER
Celebrating the surreal and the sublime, Alexandra’s work hovers between the realms of memory, dreams and experience. Conjured in the digital sphere, her fairy tale paintings are a curious mixture of nature and modern technology. Shunning a traditional sketchbook in favour of Photoshop, Alexandra sketches out ideas – and sometimes even the final piece – on a computer. Her botanical artworks are brought to life using oil paint and are completely organic, with the Blackburn-based artist never knowing how each piece will transform. Viewers may recognise a homage to the Old Masters in the low-brow surrealist pieces, illustrating Alexandra’s eclectic style. Her work fuses themes of street art, collages and photography to express motifs of female empowerment. Alexandra says: “Each piece explores femininity and sexuality and their confinement inmodern-day society. Drawing upon symbolism from different cultures, I form something beautiful from an idea rooted in a darker place.”
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IMMORTAL SALVATION
LIMITED EDITION COLLAGE / FRAMED 110CM X 110CM / EDITION OF 3 / £1,750
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MANY A TRUE WORD
LIMITED EDITION COLLAGE / FRAMED 110CM X 110CM / EDITION OF 3 / £1,750
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1: CARRY MY SOUL TO HEAVEN LIMITED EDITION COLLAGE / FRAMED 110CM X 110CM / EDITION OF 3 / £1,750
2: BEYOND THE VEIL OF DECEPTION LIMITED EDITION COLLAGE / FRAMED 110CM X 110CM / EDITION OF 3 / £1,750
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BEYOND THE SEA (DIPTYCH)
ORIGINAL INK AND EMULSION ON BOXED CANVAS 60CM X 60CM (EACH) / £1,000
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CHARLOTTE FLEMING
Exeter-based Charlotte inherited her passion for art from her father. After growing up surrounded by his furniture designs, she embarked on her own artistic career in illustration and fine art. Along with exhibitions at the Affordable Art Fair and London Art Fair, she has painted murals and designed restaurant interiors. She now runs her own shop – Fleming & Sell – in Devon. Her latest work is inspired by the lines and form of jellyfish. The fine metal nib of her dip pen and the volatile nature of the ink capture the motion of the currents and the otherworldliness of these ethereal creatures. Charlotte says: “I am fascinated by the separation of the sea and our world above. When I’mdrawing, I imagine where the current might be going and then let the pen trail across the surface to where the tendrils would float. I love working on a large scale – it all adds to the drama and movement of the jellyfish.”
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1: KING JELLY I ORIGINAL INK AND EMULSION ON BOXED CANVAS / 100CM X 152CM / £2,000
2: DEEP OCEAN, VAST SEA ORIGINAL INK AND EMULSION ON BOXED CANVAS / 152.5CM X 121.5CM / £3,000
3: HEAD WAY UP IN A STORM CLOUD ORIGINAL INK AND EMULSION ON BOXED CANVAS / 152.5CM X 121.5CM / £3,000
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CLARE KENT
Following a 10-year break, Clare picked up a paintbrush again just last year. Her delicate floral pieces are inspired by Japanese and Chinese art.
From Venice to the Chelsea Flower Show, her passion for research has seen her travel the world in search of beautiful blossoms. When she’s not growing orchids at her home in Kent, she’s busy exploring Britain’s countryside and bluebell woods. To create her paintings, Clare experiments with a variety of mediums, including wire wool and squeegees. Drawing upon her expansive art history knowledge – gleaned from studies and working at an art gallery – she intertwines research with innate emotion. Clare says: “The openness of the skies are the yin to the yang of the intricate flowers, creating harmony within the paintings. It is so important to portray the delicateness and detail of a flower. They warrant time, care and devotion to show themoff to their best.”
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SILVER BLOSSOM
ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA & ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 92CM X 61CM / £995
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RASPBERRY RIPPLE BLOSSOM ORIGINAL ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 50CM X 50CM / £595
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1: BLOSSOM AT SUNSET BEACH ORIGINAL ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 100CM X 100CM / £2,500
2: SUNSET BLOSSOM ORIGINAL ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 61CM X 76CM / £795
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THE WINGS
ORIGINAL ACRYLIC, PEN & INK / 30CM X 30CM / £995
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DAVID DOWNES
Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at the age of 32, David paints his colourful urbanscapes mainly from memory – using observation and imagination to add artistic flair.
His fascinating story was the subject of a 2000 book by Sheila Paine, titled Artists Emerging. In it, David recalls how he could communicate by drawing before he could speak properly.
In 2012, he was commissioned by The Savoy Hotel in London to paint the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.
Now living in Newport Beach in California, David is inspired by the road signs and infrastructure around him. His work depicts iconic locations including Hollywood, Venice Beach and Palm Desert. David says: “My work is a meeting of realism and imagination. It’s fascinating to see how the other half live: actors and glitterati. I love and loathe the massive freeways – the flyovers are like ugly sculptures, yet are part of the American dream and identity.”
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STOP SIGN, VENICE BEACH
ORIGINAL ACRYLIC, PEN & INK / 76CM X 121CM / £3,500
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1: LA FREEWAYS WITH DOWNTOWN ORIGINAL ACRYLIC, PEN & INK / 122CM X 76CM / £3,500
2: RODEO DRIVE ORIGINAL ACRYLIC, PEN & INK / 40CM X 28CM / £1,050
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DAVID FRENCH
Inspired by Impressionist painters, David’s scenic artworks capture the beauty of the Cornish coast. His travels may have seen him tread the same footsteps as Vincent van Gogh, but his heart always returns home. In 2013, his desire to escape a ‘normal’ life saw him set off with his easel and partner Kath on a round-the-world cycling trip. Exploring the Mediterranean coastline – including Arles and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – helped him to rediscover the stunning landscapes of Cornwall, where he now lives. Painted en plein air and at the mercy of the weather, David’s pieces capture the coast’s colour, movement and atmosphere from a unique perspective. He uses acrylics to retain the intensity of colour and varnish to create depth. David says: “Contrasts of colour and tone are crucial when painting the sea, which needs a certain rhythm and form yet alsomarks of a more randomnature. Thesemarks make the sea come to life!”
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PADDLING SOLO
ORIGINAL ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 40CM X 40CM / £750
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1: BLUE PETER INN POLPERRO ORIGINAL ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 40CM X 40CM / £750
2: INTREPID ORANGE DINGHY ORIGINAL ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 40CM X 40CM / £750
3: SECLUDED RENDEZ VOUS ORIGINAL ACRYLIC ON CANVAS / 40CM X 40CM / £750
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EDGWARE, HENDON AND MILL HILL
MATTE INDIA INK ON ORIGINAL POCKET MAP / 42CM X 46CM / £2,500
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ED FAIRBURN
From the sweeping floodplain of Arkansas Valley to the craters of the moon, the variation of the landscape gifts Ed with an endless source of inspiration.
In an age of smartphones, the art of reading a map is slowly being forgotten, but the Dorset-based artist reimagines maps, blueprints and star charts as canvases for his detailed portraits. Breathing life into the organic patterns, Ed transforms the topography into recognisable human features using ink, watercolours and pencil. A mountain range becomes the curvature of a neck and winding streets become fine lines. The humanisation of this everyday item connects viewers to the location. Paradoxically, the portrait loses detail when viewed up-close. Ed says: “The idea of harmonising a portrait with a map suggests that we are a product of the landscape. I let themap do what it wants to do, teasing out the human form. The female form is beautiful just as it is.”
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2: NORTHERN MICHIGAN ACRYLIC ON ORIGINAL GEOGRAPHICAL MAP SHOWING PART OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN / 39CM X 48CM / £2,500 1: BRUSSELS MATTE INDIA INK ON ORIGINAL 1885 WAGNER & DEBES STREET MAP OF BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / 26CM X 30CM / £1,500
3: CHINGFORD MATTE INDIA INK ON ORIGINAL POCKET STREET PLAN OF CHINGFORD / 41CM X 44CM / £2,500
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ELLIOT WALKER AND BETHANY WOOD
Fascinated by the ability of glass to trick and subvert the viewer’s visual experience, psychology graduate Elliot embarked on a journey to bring the medium to life. The London-based sculptor developed a passion for the subject by creating stained glass windows as a hobby. Now working alone and with artist Bethany Wood, his work incorporates traditional still life painting and personal memories. He uses a technique called massello, whereby the pieces are modelled from a cooling liquid. Until the very last second, the sculpture is a moving, living entity – frozen in time as the glass sets. This is not without its challenges, as temperatures can reach up to 1000 degrees. Elliot says: “Glass is a concept as well as a material; it has a life of its own. The process itself is physically andmentally challenging – coaxing a form out of the liquid glass is unlike working with any other material.”
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SQUEEZE ME - ORANGE
ORIGINAL GLASS SCULPTURE / 20CM X 20CM X 20CM / £3,800
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SQUEEZE ME - LIME ORIGINAL GLASS SCULPTURE / 20CM X 20CM X 20CM / £3,800
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1: DRINK ME - MOTHER’S RUIN (WHITE) ORIGINAL GLASS SCULPTURE / 30CM X 15CM X 12CM / £2,800
2: DELUSIONE - FLAKE GOLD MEDIUM ORIGINAL GLASS SCULPTURE / MEDIUM 29CM X 20CM X 14CM / £1,800
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GOD’S OFFCUTS NO. 25
LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE / 55CM X 55CM / EDITION OF 100 + 3 AP / £495
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EMMA SKELDON
As an artist, Emma seeks to fuse the natural and artificial within a fairy tale narrative. Her collection – inspired by the creation of life – is a wry comment on the beautiful unpredictability of nature.
The Glasgow-based photographer uses real flowers to capture the rose motif found in stories such as Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and Rose Red.
For these pieces, Emma weaved the tale of a creator in their studio making flowers for the earth’s landscapes. Her vibrant colours and sculptural element belie the title ‘offcuts’, as the images are a thing of beauty. Delicate petals and viscous paint combine to create photographs that are both alluring and unsettling. Emma says: “In all design and creativity, there aremistakes. My work captures a fleetingmoment of beauty when the artificial paint and natural flower look beautiful together, before the flower is eventually destroyed by the paint.”
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2: GOD’S OFFCUTS NO. 3 LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE 55CM X 55CM / EDITION OF 100 + 3 AP £495 3: GOD’S OFFCUTS NO. 4 LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE 55CM X 55CM / EDITION OF 100 + 3 AP £495 1: GOD’S OFFCUTS NO. 1 LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE 55CM X 55CM / EDITION OF 100 + 3 AP £495
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JANA NICOLE
Mixed media artist Jana is nothing if not eclectic. Born in Chicago, raised in Hollywood and settled in East Sussex, she approaches her work with a boundless curiosity. From childhood games to wildlife and the American flag, she intertwines memories with tactile materials including gold leaf and hand-torn paper. Along with upcycling vintage board game and cereal box designs, she salvages architectural materials for her collage-effect artworks – which have been exhibited at London’s Oxo Tower. Eagle-eyed viewers may also recognise icons like Bettie Page within the rich tapestry of colour and antique-style imagery. This, Jana explains, is her way of merging iconic and abstract to create art that treads the line between “classically familiar and downright bizarre”. Jana says: “My character manifests itself inmy art: slightly random, slightly eccentric, and very passionate. I’m a fan of alchemy and like combining unusual things to create something original.”
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SUKI
LIMITED EDITION GLASS ON ACRYLIC / 61CM X 61CM / £750
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A TO Z OF GAMES
ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE / 101CM X 122CM / £6,500
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1: BETTY LIMITED EDITION GLASS ON ACRYLIC / 61CM X 61CM / £750
2: SPENT ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE / 40.5CM X 58CM / £950
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SUPER CONDUCTOR
LIMITED EDITION FOUR COLOUR SILKSCREEN 59CM X 47CM / EDITION OF 100 / £345
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JOE WEBB
Counting Coldplay and Eric Cantona amongst his collectors, Joe has taken the art world by storm with his light-hearted pieces.
Fusing humour and a visual narrative, he reimagines the challenges of living in today’s modern world by layering found imagery. Using two or three images, Joe reinvents the original scenes to communicate politically-charged ideas about climate change, war and inequality. With hundreds of thousands of shares online, his collages have struck a chord with his peers, who describe his work as ‘in dialogue with today’s sampling culture’. The East Sussex based artist has exhibited at London Art Fair and Draiflessen Collection in Germany. Joe says: “I startedmaking these collages as a Luddite reaction to working on computers for many years as a graphic artist. I like the limitations of using found imagery and a pair of scissors. There are no Photoshop options to adjust colours, resize or undo.”
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CONTROL PANEL LIMITED EDITION FOUR COLOUR SILKSCREEN 50CM X 64CM / EDITION OF 75 / £395
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1: STIRRING UP A STORM LIMITED EDITION FOUR COLOUR SILKSCREEN AND DIAMOND DUST 50CM X 64CM / EDITION OF 25 / £465
2: SUPER HIGHWAY LIMITED EDITION FOUR COLOUR SILKSCREEN 50CM X 64CM / EDITION OF 75 / £395
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JOHN HARRISON
Illustrator and self-described news addict John may have his art stored at Balmoral Castle, but his work tackles decidedly grittier subjects.
By referencing imagery from past and present popular culture, the artist creates multi- layered, politically charged artworks. Past topics have included Brexit, NHS shortages and unemployment – all of which have affected his hometown of Newcastle. Transmitting his ideas via colour and shape, former computer animator John creates a build-up of textures and patterns by overlaying inks. He mixes all of his colours using a primary palette with opaque white and black before developing the piece further with a pen and pencil. When printing, he works fast and often includes live edits – making each print unique. John says: “ I’m inspired by artists like AndyWarhol and Peter Blake and aim to bring a deconstructed, sometimes subversive, lens to today’s topics. This is my voice in a very noisy world.”
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ANYONE CAN
ORIGINAL SCREEN PRINT / 31CM X 43CM / £495
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1: BE BAD ORIGINAL SCREEN PRINT / 31CM X 43CM / £495
2: FINGERS CROSSED ORIGINAL SCREEN PRINT / 31CM X 43CM / £495
3: KISS ME QUICK ORIGINAL SCREEN PRINT / 31CM X 43CM / £495
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A CASUAL AFFAIR
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY EDITION 70CM X 70CM / EDITION OF 150 / £695
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PHILIP MCKAY
Self-taught digital artist Philip is also a master of disguise. Posing as a character within his pieces, the photographer and computer whizz creates surreal worlds where anything is possible. His eerie, dreamlike landscapes are the product of an eccentric imagination and a talent for composition. Using Photoshop, he manipulates photographs to create works inspired by surrealist artists like Storm Thorgerson and René Magritte. Along with exhibitions in his hometown of Liverpool, Philip has appeared at prestigious events like Biennale Arte 2015. His work has also featured on CD and book covers, including classical composer Michael Price’s albums and By the Light of the Moon by American author Dean Koontz. Further accolades include features in Aesthetica and Advanced Photoshop magazine. Philip says: “ My images are idiotic, desolate landscapes that evoke a sense of peace and tranquillity. I includemyself in a lot of my work by dressing up in costumes and disguises.”
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2: DETACHED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY EDITION 70CM X 70CM / EDITION OF 150 / £695 3: STRANGE THINGS HAPPEN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY EDITION 70CM X 70CM / EDITION OF 150 / £695 1: THE SKY IS FALLING DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY EDITION 70CM X 70CM / EDITION OF 150 / £695
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RICHARD LEVINE
An interest in vintage animation, comics and illustration led Richard to a career in motion graphics. This energy is now captured in his art, which explores the geometric structure of iconic imagery. Embracing a spectrum of inspirations – from typographer Jan Tschichold to op art founder Victor Vasarely – Richard’s work hovers between representation and abstraction. Viewers may recognise the controversial pit bull dog, but they will never have seen it in this form. By playing with geometric shapes and blocks of colour, the East Sussex-based artist exposes the details of the pattern while allowing his audience to appreciate the overall form. This is created by rendering an image into a 3D form and wrapping it with a texture or pattern before running it through several transitions. Richard says: “My work is experimental and playful and is not constrained by a single discipline. This creates a feeling of kinetic energy, depth andmovement.”
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MON AMI
LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE / 80CM X 80CM / EDITION OF 50 / £795
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1: BRIT BULL LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE / 80CM X 80CM / EDITION OF 50 / £795
2: FBD LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE / 80CM X 80CM / EDITION OF 75 / £795
3: DOGGY STYLE II LIMITED EDITION GICLÉE / 80CM X 80CM / EDITION OF 50 / £795
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ELEPHANT
ORIGINAL WIRE ON CANVAS / 120CM X 100CM / £3,950
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SADIE AUCOTT
Wire sculptor Sadie is inspired by the words of the animal rights activist Anthony Douglas Williams, who said that when looking into an animal’s eyes, he saw a ‘living being’, ‘friend’ and ‘soul’. After experimenting with photorealistic drawings and digital, macro and still life photography, she now captures the essence of animals with a free-form wire technique. Working with fine gauge florist binding wire, Devon-based Sadie weaves, knots and twists to create definition and shading. Depending on atmospheric conditions, areas of the wire will develop a patina or sepia tone as it oxidises. The juxtaposition of an organic subject and an industrial, man-made material creates a unique connection between the artwork and the viewer. Sadie says: “The need to be creative has always been a part of me. I now feel that I have found the subject, medium and technique I have been working towards all my life.”
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EAGLE
ORIGINAL WIRE ON CANVAS / 120CM X 100CM / £3,950
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1: LION ORIGINAL WIRE ON CANVAS / 120CM X 100CM / £4,950
2: GORILLA ORIGINAL WIRE ON CANVAS / 120CM X 100CM / £4,950
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STEVE DINSDALE
Beneath the thick layers of oil paint lies Steve’s fascination with colour and contrast. Inspired by Impressionist painters like Monet, the Nottingham-based artist manipulates the medium to create depth and texture. Using a combination of brushes and a palette knife, he starts by painting the canvas a flat colour – often black – before gradually adding layers of oil. Following this, he scrapes away the paint to reveal the canvas beneath. Quick, instinctive flicks of colour bring each scene to life. All artworks begin with a reference from a photograph he has taken or a captured still from a film. Figures are silhouetted so the viewer can imagine themselves in the scene. Steve says: “I find influences in all aspects of life and strive for each piece to invoke the emotion and drama of its setting. My own journey of self- discovery has enabledme to develop a fresh and distinctive style.”
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VENETIAN DAWN
ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 100CM X 69.5CM / £1,695
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1: SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 99.5 X 49.5CM / £1,395
2: A QUIET CORNER ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 50.5CM X 76CM / £1,250
3: TOKYO NIGHTS ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 100CM X 50CM / £1,395
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ATTENTIVE
OIL ON CANVAS / 100CM X 100CM / £795
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STEVIE NICHOLSON
Experimentation is the key to Stevie’s contemporary portraits: the humble paintbrush has been abandoned in favour of bank cards and his mother’s supermarket discount card!
Admired from afar, his oil on canvas pieces may resemble a traditional painting, but up close the viewer is overwhelmed by abstract block markings, drips and colour – which give his work a pixelated effect. Using the basic framework of facial features to build a base, Stevie uses this space as a playground for the application of paint. He adds spontaneous details using instruments he finds around his studio, giving each artwork a unique texture.
The Scottish artist, who hails from Clydebank, is inspired by painters like Andrew Salgado and Lionel Smit.
Stevie says: “I look for an emotional response in every painting, and I want the viewer to ask questions. My focus is to find something captivating and unique by pushing the boundaries of portraiture.”
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1: HE SAW HER BEFORE OIL ON CANVAS / 100CM X 100CM / £795
2: GAZE OIL ON CANVAS / 100CM X 100CM / £795
3: A GRATIFYING GLANCE OIL ON CANVAS / 100CM X 100CM / £795
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MONOMOKO AKA TIM CHRISTIE
As the mastermind behind fashion-forward concept MONOMOKO, Tim Christie combines photography and digital illustration to create images that fuse age-old tradition with modern technology. The name embodies the monochromatic colour palette and the symmetry of the traditional T ā Moko face and body markings practised by M ā ori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Each of the Wellington-based artist’s pieces are digitally-generated using sourced imagery and computer-aided illustration. The underlying images are out of focus so the diagonal black and white lines transition from thin to heavy in a seamless linear flow. Describing his work as a fusion of digital abstraction and pop art, graphic designer Tim explains that he wishes to explore the synthesis of a geometric aesthetic and organic symmetry. Tim says: “I embrace the currency of ideas – rather than trend – to innovate and push creative boundaries. Many of my pieces have a quirky idea or a story to tell.”
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WOLF OF WALL ST (LIGHTBOX)
LIMITED EDITION DIGITAL LIGHTBOX / 78CM X 110CM / EDITION OF 10 / £1,950
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1: RUCKING RAMS (DIPTYCH) LIMITED EDITION DIGITAL CANVAS / 84.5CM X 118CM / EDITION OF 10 / £1,750
2: LAB (LIGHTBOX) LIMITED EDITION DIGITAL LIGHTBOX / 78CM X 110CM / EDITION OF 10 / £1,950
3: BOXER (LIGHTBOX) LIMITED EDITION DIGITAL LIGHTBOX / 78CM X 110CM / EDITION OF 10 / £1,950
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KORCULA
ORIGINAL OIL ONWOOD / 17CM X 25.5CM / £750
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TOM VOYCE
It’s been a whirlwind year for Tom, who was crowned Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year in 2017. Next on the travel enthusiast’s hitlist is an art residency in New Zealand – after our Summer Exhibition, of course! His mood-evoking pieces reveal an interest in the formal elements of composition: structure, perspective, shape and light. Through this, Tom hopes to explore the boundaries between abstraction and figuration. Influenced by mid-20th century artists like Edward Hopper and Richard Diebenkorn, the Burton-on-Trent based teacher often depicts places of transit. He works on quadruple-primed MDF boards with thin layers of oil paint on a painting wedge. To build a relationship between the studies, he works on several boards simultaneously. Tom says: “Winning Landscape Artist of the Year is without doubt my biggest highlight to date. Now I’m aiming to combinemy love of art and travel to create an exciting new body of work.”
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COPENHAGEN ORIGINAL OIL ONWOOD / 45.5CM X 60.5CM / £1,700
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1: DUBROVNIK ORIGINAL OIL ONWOOD / 20CM X 30CM / £850
2: ORCHY VIADUCT LOCH AWE ORIGINAL OIL ONWOOD / 30CM X 41CM / £1,500
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VICTOR MIKHAILOV
Creating his own characters brought great joy to Victor as a child. Swapping his toys for plasticine, he observed animals, monitoring their movements and behaviour.
During his studies at the Krasnoyarsk State Art Institute in Siberia, his affinity for nature was coupled with the study of anatomy. This led to a fascination with the plasticity and innate freedom of an animal’s movement.
Now living in Moscow, Victor uses clay for large sculptures and plasticine for smaller forms with intricate details. After moulding the sculptures, he casts them in bronze.
He has exhibited worldwide – including Russia, Portugal, Germany and Dubai – but says the moon is next!
Victor says: “Through each work, I portray a piece of myself. As an actor gets into themindset of his character, I must try to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of my creation. Consequently, the sculpture comes to life and possesses a soul.”
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GORILLA
BRONZE SCULPTURE / 21CM X 14.5CM X 9.5CM / EDITION OF 99 / £795
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2: HOWLING BRONZE SCULPTURE / 14CM X 12CM X 11CM EDITION OF 99 / £795 3: SHE-BEAR BRONZE SCULPTURE / 28.8CM X 15CM X 11.5CM EDITION OF 99 / £995 1: BABOON BRONZE SCULPTURE / 19CM X 9.5CM X 7CM EDITION OF 99 / £795
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BLUE DRESS IN THE CITY
ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 60CM X 90CM / £2,500
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WILFRED WITTMANN
Wilfred’s soulful take on realism incorporates natural beauty and a scientific eye for detail, with the artist describing his work as a study of the human form.
Fascinated by colour and the dynamics of light, the Bath-based science graduate is inspired by life experiences and relationships. He seeks to capture our intimate moments to create art that is fresh and thought-provoking. His portraits are painted with oil on canvas, with Wilfred often using his fingers to create a sculptural effect. Taking reference from photographs, he draws inspiration from the realism style of the Old Masters and modern artists such as Thomas Saliot and Jim Farrant. Wilfred says: “I am inspired by the beauty in everyday life, themillions of subtle interactions that happen all around us. I want people to look at my work and feel like they see someone who has put their heart and soul into every painting.”
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1: REFLECTIONS OF A LADY ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 80CM X 70CM / £3,500
2: POISED IN MOTION ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 70CM X 90CM / £2,500
3: SHE LOVES TO READ AND BIKE ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS / 70CM X 100CM / £3,750
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CAST YOUR VOTE! Choose your favourite artist from the Summer Exhibition 2018 and let us know who caught your eye.
Simply visit
WWW.CASTLEGALLERIES.COM/SUMMER-EXHIBITION
to cast your vote.
The winner will be announced at the Awards Evening on
THURSDAY 23 AUGUST 2018
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WITH THANKS TO
IN:SIGHT SUMMER EXHIBITION TEAM
PUBLISHER
EXHIBITION MANAGEMENT
Washington Green Fine Art Group Limited
Glyn Washington Holly Rackham Helen Roden
Creative Director Exhibition Manager
Event Manager
Emily Shaw
Exhibition Coordinator
MARKETING
Daniela Lacey Michael Perry Parveen Kauser Charlotte Brazier Monika Adamska Robyn Smith
Head of Marketing Marketing Manager
Marketing & PR Assistant Digital Marketing Assistant Digital Marketing Assistant
PR Executive
DESIGN
Ak Suggi, Christy Guan, Matt Johnson, Mikyla Edwards
We hope that you have enjoyed the Summer Exhibition 2018. If you have been inspired to follow in the footsteps of the artists who exhibited, it’s never too early to register your interest for IN:SIGHT 2019.
Visit
to start your application
WWW.CASTLEGALLERIES.COM/INSIGHT
We look forward to receiving your submission, and hope to see you on the walls of the Summer Exhibition 2019 next year!
#INSIGHT2019
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The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. © Washington Green 2018. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission.
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