#thestrandgallery

BBC South East conducted  an interview Patrick at The Strand Gallery space on Monday 9 May at 11am. Robin Gibson spoke with Patrick about the exhibition/work and the inspiration behind it all. Robin also covered Patrick’s thoughts on the creative community in Medway and all of the talent coming out of Kent.

You can view the interview on the BBC South East website here from 18 mins into the broadcast.

All large exhibitions can be difficult to put on, at the outset they look easy, but as they get closer the enormity of the task becomes evident.

I have been lucky I’ve been surrounded by excellent professionals and friends who are professionals in a number of disciplines. There is no hierarchy to those I need to thank, and any omissions are down to my poor memory.

My wife Jan Who has made it all possible through her belief in me and her desire to see me make full use of my studio across the road !! Thank you love!

Hannah Shepheard - Daughter 

Kate Silver - Daughter

Ji Ang - Model and Friend 

Lilly Brothers - Model and Friend 

Nako Tokuda - Model and Friend 

Jodie Freiter - Model and Friend 

Hayley Embleton, Short Stop Social - Social Media and Website 

Mia Terry-Duffield - PA computer Wiz-kid 

Alice Baker, Westgate Communications - PR  

Rebecca Dustan, Westgate Communications - PR 

Zoe Pozo - Graphic Designer 

Gary Bassett - Artist/Critic/Friend 

Adam Piper - Artist/Critic/Friend 

John Terry - Artist/Critic/Friend, Problem Solving 

Adam W. - Beautiful Frames 

Doug and Greg Davies - Photography/Editing 

Verity and Lucy - The Strand Gallery 

Steve Lowe -  Help and Professional Advice 

Billy Childish -  Help and Professional Advice 

Kim Norman Cranfield-  Camera Use and Legend 

Dean Fragile  - Management Xylaroo 

Coco and Holly - Xylaroo 

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.”

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.

October 31st this year was a diverse combination of activity. Thrown into a state of seasonal confusion by the 24 degrees temperature, I spent the morning sitting in Trafalgar Square before going to Stylist magazine's exhibition 'Supermodels and Suffragettes'. Coinciding with the publication's 5th birthday, The Strand Gallery venue provided a neutral backdrop to display of some of the most innovative covers featured since the magazine's inception. Completely free (like the magazine) and with a complimentary giant programme and Lena Dunham-themed badges, this was one of the most well-curated and informative exhibitions I've ever been to. Unfortunately it closed today, so for anyone who didn't get to visit here's a few photos:

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