The title of the exhibition 'Looking To The Stars' is taken from an extract of a poem by Oscar Wilde: "We are all lying in the gutter but some of us are looking to the stars". This quote conveys theromantic and genuine notion that these artists optimistically look to the future, and beyond their present circumstances. Each have ambitions, hopes, aspirations and dreams that they aspire to, and their artistic practices expresses the beauty and optimism of their expectations.
Presenting an eclectic range of artworks ranging from realistic intimate portraits and idyllic landscapes to dynamic colourful abstract pieces. The artists in this show represent an array of styles where different genres intersect, morph, and collide. Through this interdisciplinary approach the exhibition offers an insight into the ever-changing art forms in contemporary practice.
The Hornshaw gallery is delighted to present a carefully selected group of artists whose practicesthey have long been following, through years of research and collaborations.
The exhibiting artists include:
Dara Park, Erene della Porta, Andrew Farmer, Simon Kirk, Wendy Hyde, John Partick Egan, Chrissy Guest, Martin Davis, Andrew Harrison, Gerald Shepherd, Jasmine Surreal, Alice Lenkiewicz, Chris Mear, Barry Andrews, Toni Cogdell, Joanne Coates and Beth Pearson.
Simon Kirk appropriates vintage imagery representing popular culture, which is associated totext in order to create lyrical narratives. Simon’s textural and multi-layered approach to collage incorporates distressed surfaces and patterns to create artwork with poetic meaning. Simon has exhibited at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibitions on numerous occasions.
Barry Andrews is informed by the ferocious activity of the Thames Estuary landscape. Having experienced the intensity of this site first hand, Barry’s abstracted landscapes are gestural and spirited, with a sensual use of colour and an elegant composition. Being connected to such a bucolic and raw setting, where time and space stands still, allows him to be totally immersed in the landscape,both physically and mentally. Barry has won prestigious commissions including one by the Greek Embassy for a series of paintings.
Toni Cogdell’s oil paintings of lone figures convey a sense of inward introspection and reflexion. Expertly capturing light and dark tones, Toni reveals the tensions that exist between our outer and inner worlds, and channels our individuality and sensibilities through these insightful portraits. Herpaintings tell the story of us from the inside out, our connection to nature, time and each other. Toni Cogdell is a finalist in the Daily Mail's 'Not The Turner Prize' of June 2003.
Wendy Hydes’ large scale abstract expressionist paintings are inspired by land, sky and seascapes as well as music. She works in large formats, either on canvas or paper, to enable a gestural freedom that is expressed in the energetic and spirited brush-strokes.
She says: “I paint not what I see of the visible world, but how I feel it to be. It is not a literal description of a place, but a feeling of a place and how one is effected by that environment.”

Open to the public:
6th April 10 am - 6 pm

mpefm UNITED KINGDOM art press release

Simon Kirk

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