The Perilous Nature of Bloodymindedness

by Colin Merrin
PV Friday 8th July 6-9pm
6th to 20th July 2022

Artist Talk/Q&A Friday 15th July 6-7.30pm this event is FREE

 Open daily 11-5pm CLOSED MONDAY

‘This series of work on paper is centred on the idea of meaning as a made up phenomenon. We apply meaning to the world around us to create a sense of order, yet the human world is so often quite the opposite. Strongly influenced by the work and ideas behind Dada and the German Expressionists, this exhibition attempts to reflect on the chaos and absurdity of the modern zeitgeist. The semi abstract/figurative paintings and drawings are unplanned, intuitive pieces that deliberately avoid traditional narratives but rely on the connections between the subconscious intentions of the artist and how it’s received by the viewer. The great American artist, Philip Guston used the term  ‘trialogue’ to describe the interaction between the artist, the viewer and the work itself. Colin’s  stream of consciousness approach encourages that discourse. The works are developed over time, refining and loosening, re-working, layering and remodelling, to make unique images that avoid cliché. The human face and figure are the central motifs, however, over time, the building up of layers of collage, paint and ink may also suggest deeper narratives.’

COLIN MERRIN Born and raised in East London, Colin studied at Maidstone College of Art, Kingston Polytechnic and the University of London, Institute of Education. He has lived and worked on  the south coast since 2007 and settled in Portsmouth in 2013. Colin was elected a member of the Royal Watercolour Society in 2009. As a result he exhibits regularly at the Bankside Gallery in London. He has also exhibited work in numerous galleries and exhibitions throughout the UK and Europe, including the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition and the Royal Institute of British Artists at the Mall Galleries. His work is in many collections, including the royal collection and the British Museum. He has been a member and studio holder at Art Space Portsmouth since 2015.