Still Life: Magnus Hammick, Paul Newman & Katherine Perrins
Magnus Hammick and Paul Newman | A collaboration, exhibition and open studios
Magnus Hammick and Paul Newman have collaborated on a project relating to understanding the art of depicting the landscape, finding synergy in this common ground, and sharing a visual language. Hammicks immersive oil paintings are a follow on from earlier performance work made in makeshift studios, in this instance a Yellow Cube within the landscape, articulating extended periods of time spent fully immersed in the painting experience, of mark making and abstraction.
'The media used by immersive artists has become more and more experimental and intrepid; they may involve sensors, 3D scans, temperature detectors, virtual and augmented reality devices which play on the audiences' reaction to the experienced installations. Mine is a simple reductive inclusion. One of discussion and open ended outcomes. The goal is always to allow the spectator a voice, a proactive inclusive in the art-making process. Collaboration offers comparisons and duality, which I like'. Quote, Magnus Hammick
Newman's process begins with a journey into often remote terrain, making observational drawings of pencil on paper. In this performance a makeshift studio will be set up for Newman by Hammick. Large scale drawings of two oak trees within the grounds of Close House have been agreed as the main subject for this experimental event. The trees, conceptually representing the two artists.
Magnus Hammick and Paul Newman also showed work made whilst in isolation, illustrating this STILL LIFE we have all experienced during 2020. Hammick's romantic mixed media works, explore semiotics. Male and female symbols are stencilled onto painterly backdrops evoking the silence of a new augmented world, coupled with an optimism of a natural landscape, they have a Sci Fi feeling to them. Newman has focused on a flurry of short studies of bird drawings, the very nature of the subject forcing him to accelerate his drawing process whilst maintaining acute observation.
An ephemeral and gentle expressionistic collaboration also depicting the joining together of our creative communities.
Katherine Perrins | Artist in residence - works made during lockdown
Katherine Perrins work explores the understated quiet of domestic life. Bringing up children and spending time within the confines of the home. Her paintings honour the pursuit of housework, of interiors and amplifies the private and the ordinary. Her accomplished painting talent could be likened to the dutch masters who rose to fame from depicting rural life as well as STILL LIFE. During lockdown the subject matter has not changed but the essence of our isolation experience brings a new relevance to Perrins work. A wonderful first show at Close Ltd.
