Contemporary Painting at the Brick Lane Gallery

Contemporary Painting demonstrates the diverse ways in which paint communicates artists’ ideas and has the ability to create dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. The range of styles and ideas fuse together into a mirage of colours and intensity; the importance of the artists’ role in the constant evolution of art is highlighted, emphasising their place within contemporary art.

This display contains many notable artists, including Aaron Davis, Dake Wong, Elena Fortuna, Iwona Szpak-Pawlowska, Luca Siri, Nadia Dimitrova, Paul Wozencroft, Pernille Nadine and Tony Nilsson. Their contributions often speak of their different outlooks on life and society as a whole.

Perhaps the most prominent piece is Valentina Marra’s Cercare N. 23, which takes up a whole wall. Its surreal properties are possibly its greatest asset and these are supplemented by its multi-dimensional elements. The painting is centred around a core that seems to be writhing with energy and growing frustration, to the point where all control has been lost. The highlights, shadows and the detailed juxtapositions within the piece also emphasise the feeling of interaction with multiple dimensions, as it extends out towards the viewer and envelopes them. This piece is complemented by a visual guide, which allows the viewer to understand the artist’s process, progression and intention.

Michelle Huang’s display of oil pieces is also distinguished, the most outstanding being Pipe Dreams.  The artist’s inspiration from her grandparents in China is apparent, through the care and detail in each stroke. She utilises a range of colours, which don’t clash but seem to merge together. Her focus is the beauty of longevity and naturalism instead of the synthetic culture perpetuated by modern beauty standards. This is communicated tremendously through her use of tone and gentle contrasts, which appeal to the viewer and seem to stress timelessness amidst our fast-paced modern society.

Contemporary Painting is a remarkable exhibition where each artist’s works is presented in its entirety and the viewer is allowed to grasp an understanding of each work.  Each step of the journey is accentuated by a unique piece, in a variety of styles, which will constantly stimulate the viewer’s interest.

Scott Tan

Contemporary Painting is at Brick Lane Gallery from 29^th October until 8^th November 2015, for further information visit here.