These new works revolve around a central theme of unity between all people, seeking the essence of what connects us. Precise, emotive images using oil paint on smooth canvas explore the line between abstract painting and the hyperrealist aesthetic of fine detail and dramatic lighting; reflecting on such things as the shifting light on flowing water, or a quiet moment.

“I have extensively explored the line between abstract painting and the hyperrealist aesthetic of fine detail and dramatic lighting. Since 2018 when experimenting with darkroom photographic processes, involving painting my own photo negatives, I have been fascinated in creating highly detailed, precise, emotive images using oil paint on smooth canvas. Instead of deconstructing reality into abstract shapes, I strived to create another reality based on an amalgamation of inspirations. Often reflecting on such things as the shifting light on flowing water, or a quiet moment exploring an old mine or natural cave. It’s that endless essence of nature that powers on regardless of human interaction.

The paintings in this exhibition revolve around the central theme of unity between all people. Seeking the essence of what connects us as humans I thought extensively about the theme before doing any physical work on the matter. It is unusual for me to deeply contemplate a project before creating any sketches or colour studies. I often work intuitively, from the heart, and in sequence, but this subject required a different approach. I began to think of things that truly connect us as humans. Blood is the essence of our existence, and it is one of a few things that both unites and divides us from others. Hatred has no sexuality, race, religion, identity, ability, or any other divisible weapon we use against each other. If unity had a colour, it would be red. We all bleed the same.”