INTRODUCTION
We are delighted to introduce this, our second Stephen Mangan exhibition, A Moment in Time. Through his imaginatively thought out compositions and slow, meticulous approach to painting, Stephen creates a world with arresting presence, at once familiar and otherworldly. Stillness is palpable in each of his works, as he slows down time to capture just a single moment, heightened in the present tense. We see Stephen’s many influences in these figurative works - his debt to the great painters Seurat, Vermeer and Hopper, artists he encountered as a young student and who continue to inspire him today. Populated by many people, Stephen’s compositions feature individuals that seem to inhabit their very own world; as viewers we find ourselves in busy and bustling cities, beaches and racecourses, and yet we are invited to be still, to slow down and be in the quiet of the present moment. Over the years, Stephen has built a world for his figures to occupy, unique settings for his characters to continue telling their stories. Having been brought up around the beaches of East Lothian, and with his family home next to the Racecourse, this environment naturally informs the imaginary backdrop to Stephen’s work. His harbour paintings too, although devoid of people, give a nod to this background. With its focus on the boats, the masts, and the still waters, the harbour is its own character, with its own personality, and the viewer alone is the only human presence. Each of Stephen’s paintings are compelling on their own, but when presented together the strength and coherence of his vision is even more apparent. His approach to exhibiting is much like his approach to painting - slow and carefully thought out. This exhibition is all the more special for being so.
Eileadh Swan Gallery Director
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