Signal Gallery kicks off its 2008 series of exhibitions with a group show of four artists who are not shy of showing us how it is – as they see it. Politics, anger, isolation and ‘street edge’ all happily co-exist. As befits the darker subject matter the works are held together by an emphasis on a mostly monochrome palette.
Guy Denning sets about challenging us as to the nature of beauty. His figurative work has a muscular vision and ambivalence of context that is intriguing. His works speak clearly to the viewer on a number of levels. In this he follows the principles of the Neomodernist group of artists, which he is a founder member. Guy has lived most of his life in Bristol but has recently moved to France where he paints ‘obsessively’ fulltime. Guy has shown his work extensively in the West of England and in London. His work is currently much in demand by collectors.
more by Guy Denning
Harry Simmonds lives and works in Bath and is also a member of the neomodernist group. His work has a directness and candour that has come about by a strict process of self-examination as an artist. His art reflects his thoughtfulness about the world around him and some of the loneliness and pain that he observes can be seen in his striking black and white paintings. Since graduating (First Class Hons) from Plymouth
University Harry’s work has been seen across the UK and he has been a finalist in a number of prestigious art competitions including The Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize, The Celeste Art Prize and The Chichester Open. With the resurgence of interest in figurative painting Harry’s work is attracting enthusiastic praise.
more by Harry Simmonds
Holly Thoburn has recently returned to London after living in Central America for several years. The works we are showing are part of a series called ‘Urban Mahogany’. These present mostly abstract images that call upon an eclectic mix of styles; from street art to images taken from natural materials. In some of her work figures appear, but are dwarfed by their surroundings. Holly has exhibited widely in London and very successfully in Central America. This is her first show since returning to England.
more by Holly Thoburn
For Barbara Walker her art is not just about the creative process and finding a personal voice. For her the message is equally important. She produces her beautiful drawings, many of which are of her son, on different media such as pages of newspapers and Stop and Search dockets. Her message is that being black in the UK, especially if you are young and male, is still an experience of alienation. The refinement and beauty of her images seem to make a powerful plea for understanding
and acceptance. Barbara lives and works in Birmingham and exhibited widely throughout the midlands since graduating from the University of the Midlands. In 2008, she will be undertaking a residency at the Bag Factory in Johannesburg, South Africa.
more by Barbara Walker
