#patrickbutler

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Secrets! at The Strand Gallery - Official Press Release

Medway-based artist Patrick Butler is holding an exhibition of his latest artwork, entitled Secrets!, at the Strand Gallery in Central London from 9 - 15 May, 2016.

Along with life-long friend and renowned Medway artist Billy Childish, Patrick is part of the eclectic mix of painters, poets, musicians and artists that make up the rich art community of the Medway towns in Kent. This group has been receiving acclaim and attention in recent years and Patrick’s new collection is set to continue this trend.

In his new collection, Patrick explores the complexities of what makes us human and individual. Drawing on Gestalt effects, his paintings explore the female form, and although confrontational, are not intended to shock. They address the confrontation of self, the perception of self and the secrets that lie beneath.

Fascinated by secrets and with the realisation that realism and naturalism can be very misleading, Secrets! narrates a series of experiences that Patrick has bought to life through a complex use of layering paint with Sgraffito, amongst other impactful techniques.

Commenting on the exhibition, Patrick Butler said: “My latest collection is about the secrets behind our façades. My paintings consider what is public and what is private, about what is presented to the world and what is hidden. The artwork ultimately looks at how we are perceived – an interesting concept particularly in this age of ‘the selfie’ when more and more people are becoming obsessed with the superficial.

 “These insights came from the long periods of time I spend with each subject I paint and this ensures that I can capture each individual’s complex layers and their secrets.”

A private viewing with Patrick Butler will take place on Thursday 12th May, 6-8pm at The Strand Gallery, London. 

The event will also feature an exclusive music set from up and coming young band Xylaroo, a new duo from Papua New Guineau enjoying rave reviews from the music press with their fresh dulcet harmonies. There are many synergies between Xylaroo and the Secrets collection, with the band’s unmistakably beautiful songs often dealing with a variety of complex and hidden issues.

All paintings will be available for purchase at the exhibition.  

For more information or to request an invitation contact Alice Baker or Rebecca Dunstan at Westgate Communications on 01732 779087 or by emailing: [email protected]

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Sketchbook notes.

Hours of work gone, but for these paintings it has to be. Exacting drawings of the model are produced in an attempt to embody one or more of the secrets they have. This is often very difficult and there is no direct correspondence. However there is no intent to speak the paintings with words. This is the foundation for all that follows. All the structures, colour, tonal values and the gestural expressive marks. Then on complex of marks that often end in fragmentation but a fragmentation where each element covers or carries major aspects of the self.

Friends have said, “Why do you produce such exacting, expressive drawings only to cover them up with layers of paint, people looking cannot see them”. True, but I know they are there and they are the starting point for all that follows. Sometimes the figures or elements of the figure reappear in a different form, often playing a major role in the finished work. 

The young women I have been working with come from different cultures, one Chinese, 2 English and one Japanese. They have very different ways of looking at themselves, their cultures, our culture, to others and of dealing with the complex of secrets that makes them unique. They are highly professional and I am very lucky to work with them.

There is however a considerable overlap when it comes to the nature of their secrets, fears, hopes and desires. I am making paintings that have formal elements yet are evocative and expressive. Paintings that convey a range of moods and feelings, yet they can be read. The process is overt, layer upon layer. However they do not give up their secrets easily. Sometimes they have mesmeric qualities with the paint “dancing” across the surface only to be constrained by the imposition of yet another layer or range of marks.

The painting is finished when I can go no further.

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