Show Time
Above: ‘Painting & Unpainting’ will be at SU Gallery, Stratford E15 4PH from Saturday 9th May until Friday 29th May. Opening reception from 2-6pm this Saturday. Full details below.
I have to admit that I wasn’t very excited about installing my latest exhibition, which opens in East London this weekend.
The finished paintings that I would be selecting from are wrapped and stacked on a mezzanine platform above my studio space, and I clambered up the ladder last night without much enthusiasm.
Due to some recent travel and some more general life interruptions, I’ve left everything a bit late, even by my tardy standards, and a feeling of ‘overwhelm’ has been my default sensation when thinking about putting on this show. The lack of time has been compounded by a crisis of confidence.
Working on a new series – as I have been over the last few months - is a good way to clear the decks and approach your practice with a new set of rules or intentions. I’m reminded now that it’s also a good way to engender a feeling that you have simply forgotten how to paint. It’s been rough.
However, as I began choosing and unwrapping my completed paintings from the last few years, the doubts and mild despair (can despair be mild?) of recent weeks began to dissipate, and my excitement about seeing all these things that I’ve made, hanging together in one place, came charging back.
As I’ve said in previous posts, sometimes it takes a bit of time or space away from a painting to see what it’s really worth. Seeing some of these old and recent favourites has restored my faith in what I’m doing, and renewed my excitement about sharing my work with friends and collectors old and new.
There’s still some choices to make and some important spirit level action ahead, but the work is mostly up on the walls now, and I’m looking forward to welcoming you to the gallery this weekend in Stratford.
If you’re in London it’s a very easy visit, a ten-minute walk from Stratford Underground Station, at the corner of West Ham Lane and Mark Street. It’s on the Jubilee, Elizabeth and Central Lines, as well as Greater Anglia main line, so it’s actually fairly easy from anywhere!
We’ll be open between 2 and 6pm this Saturday 9th May, as well as the 16th & 23rd from 11-2pm. Other times by appointment only. Message me.
https://matthewwebber.uk/invite
https://www.stratfordunitariangallery.co.uk/our-current-and-future-shows
Thanks for reading.
