Stephen Simpson in Exhibition at Gallery Rouge Harpenden 28th June - 7th July 2013

06 June 2013


  

Gallery Rouge Harpenden is delighted to announce the forthcoming exhibition of emerging artist STEPHEN SIMPSON.  Commended for his stylised and emotive mixed media paintings, Simpson utilises colour tones found in the natural world to communicate the power of earth's beauty.  Fusing abstract and landscape to striking effect, Simpson is an exciting new talent whose future evokes great interest from collector and critic alike.

Simpson was born in 1986 in Stockton-on-Tees; naturally creative as a young boy, his parents encouraged him to place pencil to paper thus formulating an early passion.  Further studies in his teenage years lead him to select three art and design based qualifications before completing a Degree in Interior Architecture at Leeds University. Whilst technically excellent, Simpson felt constrained by a professional brief missing the freedom and potential a canvas could provide him. A brave decision led Simpson to commit to life as full time artist, developing the distinct and contemporary aesthetic he is now recognised for.
 

The local landscape of the North East coastline is a natural source of inspiration for the artist. Ideas are born in the rock pools and reflected light on the sand, as well as raging storms which torment the shores.  A curious dichotomy, Simpson's work explores the complex relationship between creation and destruction and the powerful forces behind each.  A reoccurring motif and compositional tool, Simpson employs a central glowing source in each image; painting the dark to create light.  

Built in multiple layers of relief texture and oil paint glazes, Simpson carefully sculpts the material with brushes and rags to echo the earth, a homage to his subject matter. Tactile and inviting, the combination of rough and smooth mirrors the illusion of movement and rippling light.  During a two-year period of experimentation, Simpson discovered that he could introduce incredible luminosity to his work by setting fire to his canvases.  All paintings are finished with a high gloss resin before being finally sealed with a blast from a blow torch.  Completed paintings project a contemporary vision from this refreshing new artist.

The presentation will comprise an outstanding collection of affordable original paintings available for acquisition from £995.

To request attendance for this event or to learn about future exhibitions please contact us at [email protected] or 01582 760332.

Exhibition Opening Hours

Friday 28th June – 10am - 5.30pm

Saturday 29th June – 10am - 5.30pm

Sunday 30th June – CLOSED

Monday 1st July – 10am - 5.30pm

Tuesday 2nd July – 10am - 5.30pm

Wednesday 3rd July – 10am - 5.30pm

Thursday 4th July – 10am - 5.30pm

Friday 5th July – 10am – 5.30pm

Saturday 6th July – 10am - 5.30pm

Sunday 7th July – 10am – 2pm