Join us on Thursday 14th September, 17:00 – 19:00 for the launch and private view of our new exhibition ‘Degrees of Abstraction’.
An exhibition featuring Hilary Dron, Jessica Slack and John Sharp.
‘Degrees of Abstraction’ brings together three Abstract artists, Hilary Dron, Jessica Slack and John Sharp; Each pushing the boundaries of gestures, geometric and natural forms. Abstract art can trick the human eye that searches for form and representation and can evoke emotions through colour and form unlike figurative art. This show or large and realistic paintings close the door on reality and centre you in realms of abstraction.
Hilary Dron
Hilary Dron was born in Liverpool and completed her degree at Central School of Art and Design, London. She worked as a designer for Liberty before beginning a 30 year career, teaching Art in schools and in Further Education. After a recent sabbatical in Japan and the Far East, she decided to leave teaching and concentrate on her own work, something she has always wanted to do. The last six months have represented a huge step for Hilary and have included a commission by Aintree Hospital and exhibitions in and around Liverpool.
Speaking about her work, Hilary notes:
“My paintings are about colour, light, texture and atmosphere. They are reimagined experiences of a personal memory memories of landscapes I have visited, from woods in Liverpool, mountains in Taiwan to sakura blossom in Kyoto, Japan. I recently spent ten days in Ballycastle, County Mayo painting the coastline, bogs and beautiful surrounding Irish countryside.” She paints to get into that quiet place in her mind, where there is no sense of time and she hopes her paintings reflect this essence of a deep, quiet experience.
Jessica Slack
Jessica Slack is a contemporary abstract artist whose work is inspired by colour and nature. Jessica’s fascination with the power of colour and how it can evoke emotions when least expected leads to bold and vibrant expressionist paintings that aim to bring joy to homes all over the world!
In her own words…
“The shifting nature of the environment, from the changing seasons to the contrast between urban and rural landscapes is constant inspiration to me. The aim of my work is to capture feelings of joy, wonder and freedom – reflected in the bold use of colour, texture and abstract mark marking you see in my work.” Inspired by society’s increased desire to be connected to nature as a result of the pandemic over the last few years, this collection captures the ‘connection deprivation’ and longing to feel close to nature that many of us have experienced over the past few years. The pieces within this collection demonstrate an unusual tension between positivity and negativity, much akin to how the artist felt during the pandemic years.
John Sharp
John was born in Bentham on the Lancashire/Yorkshire border, and grew up in Garstang. Having studied illustration at De Montfort University, John then went on to work as an illustrator, graphic designer and in design/visual effects for the film and TV industry at University of Manchester, Yorkshire television, Flehner Films, Buenos Aires and various VFX companies in Soho London and Manchester. His work has included a broad array of projects including The Harry Potter films, Emmerdale and Iceland TV adverts.
“About 50% of my work is abstract. The works on paper shown here have all evolved from more representational drawings of waterfalls and water courses; the falls of Snowdonia and Lake District, the long grasses of the river Bollin in Cheshire, and the Strid (a narrowing of the river Wharfe in Yorkshire). The ‘Heavens’ pictures are purely abstract, definitely 2D, just paint, surface and colour…heaven.”
All artworks are for sale.
Exhibition continues Friday 15th September- Saturday 18th November, opening times are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00.
Event Date: Tuesday 12th September 2023
Categories: Arts | Children | exhibition | Family | Free | Liverpool
