Tom Phillips Celebrates Turning 75 with Two New Exhibitions

British Contemporary artist Tom Phillips turns 75 this summer, he is celebrating in style with two major exhibitions of his works: a print show at GX Gallery in Camberwell and solo show of original work at Flowers Gallery East- The Remains of the Day.

Raphael Revisited

GX Gallery is local to Phillips' home and studio and this month he collaborates with them to show a comprehensive selection of his printed works:

Tom Phillips is an internationally renowned artist who has throughout his long career lived and worked in Camberwell and Peckham.

This exhibition, which marks his 75th birthday, features a wide survey of prints and originals including works that relate to his locality, such as the large autobiographical South London Dreaming, which annotates significant points of place and time, and 20 Sites n Years, an annual photographic documentation of twenty seemingly ordinary locations in a half mile radius of his studio: a work that has accumulated each year since 1973.

Tom Phillips was born in 1937. After studies at Oxford he trained at Camberwell School of Art where he was taught by Frank Auerbach, He then spent several years teaching in art schools while following his interest in new music. He created experimental scores which were performed by the pianist John Tilbury. Among his students was Brian Eno whom he introduced to some ideas that helped develop ambient and generative music. Eno’s album covers include, for Another Green World, a variation of Raphael Revisited.

Also on display are pages from A Humument, whose 5th edition (Thames & Hudson) appears on 24^th May 2012. A Humument began in 1966 when Phillips, on a Saturday morning walk with RB Kitaj, found a secondhand novel for threepence in a junk shop on Peckham Rye and resolved to work on it for the rest of his life. As well as being continuously in print it has featured in various guises, including a commentary to his own translation and illustration of Dante’s Inferno, an opera Irma, a suite of prints The Quest for Irma, and in 2010 as the first artist-designed App for the iPhone and iPad.

GX Gallery offers an opportunity to see prints based on his major exhibition, We Are The People at the National Portrait Gallery in 2007. They are part of his long term artistic engagement with postcards apparent in numerous other works in this show from Oh Miss South Africa, to Sixteen Appearances of the Union Jack, One Bus Two Londons and The Quest for Irma.

Other works particular to the area show Phillips as a draughtsman. In the series Periwinkle Diaries, flowers picked from neighbouring Peckham gardens are drawn from life on seven days each Spring. Of this work, begun in 2006, Phillips says ‘The classic periwinkle flower is an amazing construction. Designed like a ship’s propellor: it is full of energy. With its help I try every year to explore Plato’s cunning Theory of Forms.’

In Peckham: The First Dish, an etching from 1989 Phillips illustrates the first satellite dish visible from his studio window with a minute diary chronicling daily events during the progress of the work.

As well as lithographs, etchings and silkscreens a selection of sculptures is presented, including refractive Wittgenstein and Mallarmé cubes, Lucy Ironworks assembled from fragments of iron found in an old factory, and the ready-made inspired C. LOOPSEEND fabricated by Embassy Signs of Peckham.

The Quest for Irma I

Flowers Gallery presents an exhibition of Phillips' Original work: The remains of the Day

I have never tried to have a style but tended rather to pursue some interconnected and relished themes and strategies. Most of these were initiated in the sixties and seventies and are still very much in play- Tom Phillips

This exhibition marks the 75th birthday of leading artist Tom Phillips and features a substantial group of recent pastels which continue a cycle of large works on paper dating from his early shows at Angela Flowers Gallery in 1970 and ’71. They encompass a wide field of reference in science, literature and music, as well as exploring the world of dreams in his favourite medium.

Phillips is one of art’s compulsive recyclers of materials (hair, postcards, mud etc.), texts and images. The Remains of the Day is the name given to a growing group of improvisations made from the scrapings of paper palettes. They relate to the series started in 1969 called Terminal Greys, which form a border to the new paintings. The title phrase used by Ishiguro as the name of his novel was first coined by Sigmund Freud to describe the primal matter recycled in the dream life.

A Humument, described by Stephen Fry as Simply astounding… and addictive, and by David Lodge as Utterly original, delightful and idiosyncratic, is probably the artist’s best known work, started in 1966 and continuously in print since 1975 when he finished the first version. Since then he has gradually replaced this initial reworking of a Victorian novel page by page. The Fifth edition contains over eighty newly replaced pages and is published by Thames & Hudson to coincide with this exhibition.
A Humument also has an exciting existence as an App for iPad and iPhone displaying this appropriately luminous artwork in an accessible and diverting way, incorporating as it does an oracle of life and love.

A new re-edited and restyled website of Tom Phillips CBE RA provides a guide to the artist’s work and career and includes his own blog www.tomphillips.co.uk a current entry from the blog relates to pastels in this exhibition…

I seem to be in the middle of a group of a dozen or so pastels. Pastels again, yes. Somehow I find myself in tune with paper and charcoal and chalk and pastel and especially with the rubbing out of same, working backwards, erasing away, letting the paper do the white work… more like finding a sculpture inside a messy bit of wood; subtracting, getting rid of, carving back

As well as Beckett’s Try again, fail again, fail better, which Tom Phillips has helped make notorious, another motto guides his attitude to work (present in the show in a calligraphic treatment). It comes from Henry James…
We work in the dark, we do what we can, we give what we have: the rest is the madness of art

After Henry James

2012 Not Only is it the Jubilee and the Olympics Sir Peter Blake is turning 80

Godfather of British Pop Art Sir Peter Blake celebrates his 80^th birthday in 2012; the year will be peppered with projects and events to celebrate the occasion. His work crosses all generational divides, and inspires great respect from younger artists such as Damien Hirst, Gavin Turk and Tracey Emin. Knighted in 2002, and with his work represented in major collections throughout the world, Sir Peter Blake truly is a grandee of British Art.

 Despite becoming an octogenarian Blake is working as hard as ever, with many exciting activities and celebrations coming up in the year ahead. Blake will be releasing exciting new print editions over the course of the year, with the first being unveiled next week at the London Original Print Fair (Stand 29), where he will also be giving a special lecture on the evening of the 19th. New print editions for April include Faith Hope and Charity, Matchboxes II, and three new American Trilogy pieces (black and silver gloss, black and silver diamond dust, cream and gold diamond dust).

American Trilogy (black and silver gloss)

Faith Hope and Charity

Matchboxes II

The year has already kicked off to a busy start with Blake designing a new look for the Brit Awards statuettes. He is also the first patron of the John Moores Painting Prize 2012 (having won the junior section with his painting Self Portrait with Badges in 1961). And is also continuing work on his oil painting of St Martin that has been commissioned for the Knights Bachelor Chapel in St. Paul’s Cathedral (the first new artwork commissioned at St Paul’s since William Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World). You may have  noticed in the press that Blake has revisited Sgt. Pepper as part of the 80th celebrations taking place at Wayne Hemingway's Vintage Festival (13-15th July). This new work is called 'Peter Blake's 80th Family, Friends and Icons' and was created digitally at Coriander Studio, it will be on display at Vintage Festival this summer. Watch out for more announcements over the coming months....there's plenty more exciting projects to come!

Peter Blake's 80th Family, Friends and Icons

Blake is laid back and self-deprecating on the subject of his 80^th, ‘I started to be an artist at the age of 14, so it’s been 56 years as a student and then artist, so it’s become a long career. And it’s had its high points, and it’s had its bad points. I think most of my ambitions have been achieved. Most of the things I’ve wanted to do strangely I’ve done.’

Sir Peter Blake Behind the Scenes at Coriander Studios

CCA ART BUS RETURNS TO HER HOME TOWN LIVERPOOL

The CCA Art Bus returns home to Liverpool

Friday 23 March will see the return of the Art Bus to Liverpool, where she started life as a city bus  over 20 years ago.

The Art bus is heading to Liverpool to mark the final weeks of Mike McCartney’s exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool and will feature an exhibition of his iconic images of Liverpool in the top deck gallery.

Closing on 15 April, Mike McCartney’s Liverpool has seen a successful run at the city’s new Museum since it opened in July last year. Mike has collaborated closely with CCA Galleries to publish and frame the 30 photographs on display, six of which he is donating to the Museum’s collection.

Billy Fury on the Mersey

Janet Dugdale, Director of the Museum of Liverpool said: “We are delighted that Mike has chosen to donate these six prints to the Museum and by the same token, to the people of Liverpool.

“We were very lucky he agreed to be the first artist to display his work in the Skylight Gallery, which represents his views of the city and its people. Our shop will be selling a range of postcards and posters from now on, so that people can take a little bit of Mike’s Liverpool home with them, even after the exhibition’s closed.”

CCA are also launching a limited edition box-set of some of Mike’s work, on the same day that the bus visits Liverpool.

Mike McCartney said: “To have the Art Bus come up to Liverpool to tie in with my exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool is fantastic. The ethos of the bus links really well with what I’ve tried to portray in my photography, in steering away from dry subjects and looking at aspects of the city that stir emotion, memories and a bit of fun.

“I started the exhibition working closely with CCA and I’m delighted to be working with them again as it draws to a close at the Museum of Liverpool.”

After the Art Bus has been to the Museum of Liverpool, Mike and friends will climb aboard for a ‘magical mystery tour’, which will see them ending up at the Walker Art Gallery.

Clare Clinton from CCA Galleries said: “Our trip to Liverpool is special in so many ways. It represents a homecoming for the Art Bus, which started life the city years ago and not only marks our partnership with Mike McCartney but also our links with the Walker Art Gallery where we will end our day.

“The Walker displayed Sir Peter Blake’s An Alphabet just last year and is also host to the John Moores Painting Prize of which Sir Peter is patron. Having the Art Bus visit Liverpool is fantastic for all these reasons and also part of our drive to spread the message that art is accessible for all.”

As well as being a mobile piece of art itself, the Art Bus is also an educational tool and an exciting platform from which to introduce school children to the world of visual arts. National Museums Liverpool has invited school groups to come and enjoy the bus when it visits the Museum of Liverpool.

Further works by John Piper now added to CCA website

CCA are delighted to add a selection of further works by the great British artist John Piper to our website. In most cases we have only one of each print, so the works will not be available to purchase online- but give us a ring (01252 797201) and we can advise you on availability. However, at least now you can see all the Piper works that we currently stock!

Kelham Hall

Works now added: Clytha Castle, Terrace with Morning Glories, Terrace with Red Pots, Wightwick Manor, Holdenby, Kelham Hall, Seaton, Shadwell Park, The Seasons: Autumn, The Grotto Halswell, Terrace with Red Pots, Blenheim Gates, Dylwyn Church, St Helen Hall, Willington Dovecote, Easton Portland, Near Newcastle Emlyn, Penybont Ford, Moreton Corbet, St Nicholas Alcester, Waddesdon, St Kew Cornwall, St Annes Limehouse, Rudbaxton, Leckhampstead, Llan-y-Blodwell, Gaddesby, Lewknor, Oxfordshire.

Terrace with Morning Glories                                                              Shadwell Park

All works are signed limited editions documented in the Levinson catlogue raisonne.

Hand Painted Vases by Dan Baldwin

CCA are delighted to present two original and unique hand-thrown and hand-painted ceramic vases by British contemporary artist Dan Baldwin.

Untitled

Baldwin started working on ceramic about six years ago and views this work as an extension of his painting practice. Each pot is worked on by hand combining paint and stencil work and featuring many of the key motifs in Baldwin's art. He is fascinated by the contrast between the feminine and sensuous shape of the vases and the dark subject matter that populates them. Each vase is unique and in Untitled and Victims of Catholicism we can see the diversity of Baldwin's vision. Unitled is one of the largest pots that Baldwin has worked on, standing some 64 cm tall and elegant in its slender form. Baldwin uses a monochrome colour scheme, the simplicity of colour and surface texture contrasting with the complexity of the design. In contrast Victims of Catholicism is rounder and more robust in form, these characteristics echoing in the exuberance of the palette and boisterous composition. Baldwin does not shy away from addressing hard questions in his work, or from dealing with controversial subject matter. His work is too, is always personal, reflecting his life experiences and thoughts.Victims of Catholicism explores the ideas of innocence and evil (recurring themes in Baldwin's oeuvre), as well as Baldwin's thoughts on the death of his grandparents at the hands of the Nazis.

Victims of Catholicism

These works of art are beautiful and tactile objects, and in their fragility take on a greater immediacy. The complexity of design is a feast for the eyes; there are so many compositional elements to absorb and each connected in some way to the others- telling a story, firing the viewers' imagination and intellect. The texture created by Baldwin is also fascinating; the contrasts between the shine of (real) gold paint, stencilled elements, photography, glazes, brush strokes, impastoed paint drips all combined in a riot of colour.

Baldwin recently donated one of his vases Icons to a Great Ormond Street Hospital charity auction, where it sold for an impressive £12,000!

NEW RELEASES from CCA Galleries this January

CCA are delighted to present a series of new releases for the new year- silkscreen and digital prints as well as originals.

Sir Peter Blake completes his Homage to Rauschenberg Series with the release of Homage to Rauschenberg I, III and V.

He also continues his on-going 'Found Art' series with three new pieces, Found Art: Buttons, Found Art: Beatles and Found Art: Alphabet

Not Our Type Darling (coming to the website soon!), Monsters of the Universe, Homage to Barnett Newman and Tired of London- Tired of Life- 4 new works from master printmaker Brad Faine:

Dan Baldwin has made a silkscreen edition of his painting Love, as well as another hand-painted pot Victims of Catholicism (coming to the website soon!).

Storm Thorgerson revisits his iconic Pink Floyd album covers in PF40 Best Of

And last but not least we are delighted to have two original pieces by British contemporary pop artist Dave White, Sure Shot and Forgotten Tomorrows (coming to the website soon!).

Sure Shot

Sir Peter Blake designs the Brit Award for 2012

Continuing his long integration with the world of music and popular culture Sir Peter Blake has designed the Brit Award Statuette for 2012. The choice of artist for this prestigious project couldn't be more appropriate; a quintessentially British pop artist re-designing an iconic symbol of British music.

Blake is following in the footsteps of last year's chosen designer, Dame Vivienne Westwood. Soon after the Brit awards began in 1977, the small golden statue became one of the British pop industry's most sought after awards. Blak'es design is typical of his work and perfectly captures the embullience, fun and Britishness of the awards. The statuette is patriotically coloured red, white and blue, echoing the union flag which appears on the base of the trophy. The word Brit runs vertically along the award and on the bottom Blake has featured pop art symbols that have become synonymous with his work (and which also feature heavily on the CCA Art Bus!),

Brit organisers are delighted with the design,

'We feel hugely honoured that Sir Peter Blake accepted the challenge of designing the trophy this year- the result is imcredible. Having created possibly the world's most iconic album cover art with The Beatles, Sir Peter's work is synonymous with the best of British music'.

Of course Blake has worked with many bands over the years, creating album cover artwork for Oasis, Ian Dury and the Bloockheads, Band Aid, the Beach Boys and Paul Weller to name a few.

Sir Peter Blake named in top 10 of Britains most influential artists

Interesting article in the independent last week about a survey of 1000 British painters and sculptors across the coubtry, asking them to name the British artists who have most influenced them. Sir Peter Blake features in the top 10, once again demonstrating that he is an artist's artist.

David Hockney topped the list with Turner coming in second. 20th century masters featured heavily; with Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Stanley Spencer also featuring in the top 10. Of contemporary artists Blake, Banky and Grayson Perry have been singles out by their peers as inspirational. Jack Vettriano (find limited edition prints by him here) also features in the list; it's great to see a self-taught artist who has been looked down on by the art establishment.Interestingly the Young British Artists (Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Marc Quinn et al) failed to feature on the list.

The poll was undertaken by a thousand artists between 20 and 65, including recent art school graduates and established artists. It is a pretty balanced list spanning artists over four centuries. Though I am sure that in five or ten years time the results of the poll might be completely different, it is interesting to see which artists other artists really admire.

Top 10 most influential British artists, according to a poll pf 1000 British painters and sculptors:

1. David Hockney

2. JMW Turner

3. Grayson Perry

4. Francis Bacon

5. Jack Vettriano

6. Lucian Freud

7. Thomas Gainsborough

8. Sir Peter Blake

9. Banksy

10. Stanley Spencer

Neiland at 70 exhibition at Redfern Gallery

To mark his 70th birthday Brendan Neiland has a new solo show opening this week at the Redfern Gallery- featuring his latest paintings and prints.

Neiland at 70

11th. October until November 10th, 2011

The Redfern Gallery,
20 Cork Street,
London,
W1S 3HL

Telephone | 020 7734 1732 / 0578

Fax | 020 7494 2908

I was Brendan’s tutor at the Royal College of Art in the
1960’s, and i’ve followed his career with interest since then.
The last four years have seen many changes, and it has been
a period of introspection and total full time commitment to
his painting, the first time he’s been able to do this for some
years. In this exhibition ‘Night and Day’ Brendan has
pursued his lifetime exploration of the city, but the work has
taken on a new, more abstract direction. In the ‘Nocturnes’,
a series of paintings at night, the excitement of the night city
as a pleasure ground, together with feelings of slight
foreboding, are brought into focus through the forms and
vibrant colours. Based on reality, the work becomes mystical
and abstract. The ‘Nocturnes’ have influenced the ‘Day ’
series in subtle ways. This is very exciting new work.

Sir Peter Blake,
October 2008

Brendan Neiland has been a great friend and supporter of
The University of Sheffield for several years. In 2002 the
University commissioned Brendan to paint the University
Library and this striking painting now hangs there. The title
of the painting is the University’s motto - Rerum Cognoscere
Causas– and means “To Discover the Causes of Things”
(from Virgil’s Georgics II, #490). Through art we are constantly
discovering new things about ourselves and the world we
live in. The University thanks Brendan for all his support
and is delighted to be sponsoring this exhibition catalogue.

Professor Keith Burnett, FRS
Vice-Chancellor, Sheffield University

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