London Paint Club
Issue no. 4 | Fall 2023
Artists
Introduction
At times, my role feels akin to a psychologist, where I strive to decode the intricacies of an artist’s past, present, and envisioned future. With each exhibition and magazine edition birthed from an Open Call, I’m consistently amazed at discovering artists previously unknown to me. Social media, with its expansive reach, has been instrumental in this journey, introducing me to a plethora of exceptional talents.
I am extremely grateful to all the artists. Whether they delve into profound topics, are seasoned veterans in their careers, or are still navigating their artistic voice, I’ve endeavoured to be more than just an observer – I aim to be a confidant, seeking the heartbeat of their passion. The unwavering commitment of these artists never ceases to impress, and the privilege of understanding them on a more profound level has been a joy.
To be an effective curator, I believe in immersing oneself in the artist’s vision, seeking genuine understanding. This allows for discerning associations, drawing deeper meaning, and fostering new connections. While the artists in this exhibition don’t necessarily fit into a neatly tied theme, several prevalent societal challenges echo in their works, particularly as they manifest on the canvas. In our turbulent times, themes of hardship, grief, isolation, and despair are more pronounced, painting a picture of an anxiety-riddled world. Yet, many artists turn to painting to illuminate these concerns. Elements of spirituality, nature, humour, and an appreciation for life’s simple joys have emerged as coping mechanisms and expressive outlets.
Through their paintings, artists seek a clearer understanding of their place in the world, and how the world impacts them and all of us. Painting offers a lens through which we can find solace, challenge norms, and establish profound personal connections. The diversity within the realm of painting demands a fresh approach for each artist, urging me to understand the intent behind their processes and life choices. Sharing these narratives and their subsequent artworks has been a fulfilling journey. I extend my deepest gratitude to all participating artists and hope you, the reader, find as much joy in these works as I have in curating them.
Kelly Foster – Founder and curator
Alexander Ardisson
Alexander Ardisson discusses the intricate world of his creative process, which he describes as akin to journalling. Ardisson discusses how switching between different forms of expression keeps his creativity flowing, and how his tactile jumpers serve both as a personal pursuit and as a nod to his Italian roots and English upbringing.
Anna Blom
Anna Blom discusses her unique painting style, which she describes as “observational portraits of emotions.” Blom blends her Swedish roots and various mediums, like raw pigments and situational debris, to capture the essence of emotions and human coexistence.
Edmond Caputo
Edmond Caputo combines sculptural elements and painting to explore themes of loss, memory, and nature, inspired by the passing of his father and childhood walks they shared. The work invites viewers to contemplate the intertwined narratives of personal grief, cultural heritage, and the universal human connection to the natural world.
Channatip Chanvipava
Channatip Chanvipava, originally from Thailand with Chinese heritage, uses his art to navigate his bicultural upbringing and the emotional landscape of his memories. The abstraction in his work invites viewers to connect on a personal level, while the varying scales and formats of his pieces serve as reminders of different dimensions of life.
Alastair Gordon
Influenced by Quodlibet painting, Alastair Gordon’s recent focus shifts from hyper-realistic portrayals of historical objects to a looser, more expressive interpretation of landscapes. By embracing both controlled and improvised techniques, his works encapsulate complex emotions, explore themes of grief and loss, and capture transient yet significant moments in life.
Austin Honour
Austin Honour explores the eclectic range of influences and techniques that shape his artwork. Honour confronts contemporary issues like fake news and image manipulation while offering room for viewer interpretation, aided by titles that hint at his mindset. Elements like scale and the use of black and white serve to question the importance and authenticity of the subjects he portrays.
Sarah Longworth-West
Sarah Longworth-West focuses on painting as both a medium and a subject, creating what she describes as “subtle dystopian non-spaces.” She draws inspiration from everyday urban and suburban experiences, capturing moments through photography, which then serve as a basis for her paintings.
Ryan Orme
Ryan Orme’s work explores the tension between abstraction and representation, often inspired by his personal experiences. His art also examines feelings of isolation and the concept of belonging, particularly in urban settings.
Ornella Pocetti
Ornella Pocetti combines painting and ceramics to explore themes of gender, horror, and optimism in imaginary landscapes. Influenced by both psychoanalysis and her love for horror, she aims to create enigmatic, timeless worlds that blur the lines between past and future.
Afonso Rocha
Afonso Rocha is particularly interested in the tension between people and the process of representation; he constructs his art like a collage, layering images, references, and meanings to explore relationships, vulnerability, and the duality of human emotion. He provides a metaphorical stage where figures can interact freely, invoking a sense of discomfort or tension that prompts viewers to form their own interpretations.
Nika Rubinshtein
Nika Rubinshtein explores the hidden aspects of human existence, such as the mysteries of the soul and the afterlife, influenced by her family’s maritime and mystical history near the Black Sea. Her work, often featuring feminine energy, is created through experimental techniques like blending water and inks, allowing for spontaneous evolution.
CiCi Suen
CiCi Suen, a versatile artist trained in illustration at Camberwell College of Arts, has navigated various mediums from graphic novels to fine art. As she transitions into oil painting, Suen continues to experiment with different ways to depict nature and is considering integrating narrative elements into her compositions.
Sebastian Supanz
Inspired by childhood drawings and particularly by a drawing of a knight by his brother, Sebastian Supanz has repeatedly employed the motif of the knight in his works. Lately, Supanz has experimented with wool as a medium, appreciating its contrasting qualities of softness and colour, while also incorporating AI-generated images into his art, which raises intriguing questions about authorship and authenticity.
Holly Elan Watson
Holly Elan Watson talks about her recent art residency in Japan, where she focused on the theme of discovery and the juxtaposition between the benefits and dangers of nature. The use of colour, texture, and symbolism in her pieces aims to evoke various senses and emotions, from sexuality and sensuality to joy and caution.
Martha Zmpounou
Martha Zmpounou combines figurative and abstract elements to explore complex themes such as codependency, trauma, and human relationships. Over time, her work has evolved from challenging commercial fashion imagery to pursuing a more universal and emotionally resonant understanding of beauty.
