Galerie Max Hetzler is pleased to present Robert Holyhead’s new body of large-scale paintings in No movement, no colour, the British painter’s first solo exhibition at the London gallery. Best known for his conscious, precise, and modestly sized works which demonstrate a highly developed visual language of form and colour interaction, Holyhead’s new group of paintings represent a dramatic increase in scale.
‘As spatial experience or encounters these works function differently – I think the scale has introduced something significantly different but still related. It’s more about feeling ‘in’ the paintings as opposed to outside looking in at observed experience.’ – Robert Holyhead
Created between 2018 and 2019, the large works are relatable in size to both the viewer and spaces they are held in, without losing the intimacy of each composition.
Each work is produced in a single semi-translucent colour, showing visible traces of brushstrokes that operate around precisely defined shapes of immaculate white ground. Created in long single sessions, not unlike durational performances, the paintings evolve from watercolour drawings produced over several weeks or months. During this lead-up, spatial decisions are rigorously tested, and ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ visual components meticulously balanced. Erasure, shown in the lighter sections of the works where oil pigment has been carefully removed, contributes to the active nature of the paintings.
Robert Holyhead (*1974, Trowbridge, UK) lives and works in London. His work has been presented in several solo exhibitions including Galerie Max Hetzler, Berlin and Paris (2014 and 2016); Parts Project, The Hague (2016); PEER, London (2012); and Karsten Schubert, London (2009, 2010, 2012). Selected group exhibitions include Freelands Foundation, London; Skelf, London; No Format, London (all 2019); Annarumma, Naples (2017); Gillmeier Rech, Berlin (2016); RAUMX, London (2015); Ulster Museum, Belfast (2013); Tate Britain, London (2012); and Whitechapel Gallery, London (2009). Holyhead’s works are part of several public collections including Arts Council Collection of Great Britain, London; Centre Pompidou, Paris; Government Art Collection, London and Tate Collection, London.
www.robertholyhead.com
Further exhibitions, fair participations and events:
26 October – 21 December 2019
Toby Ziegler
There's a ghost in my house
57, rue du Temple 75004 Paris
15 November 2019 – 11 January 2020
Karel Appel
Late Nudes, 1985 - 1995
Berlin
Goethestraße 2/3, 10623 Berlin
23 November 2019 – 11 January 2020
Carroll Dunham | Michael Williams
Drawings curated by Cornelius Tittel
Bleibtreustraße 45, 10623 Berlin
5 – 8 December 2019
Art Basel Miami Beach
Booth F21
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