Birkin Hayward paints confidently in slabs of gestural paint, that convey mass and stability, or the play if light in a particular location. Some of these are recognisibly North Norfolk, others are further afield in England or in and around the Mediterranean. Many if these paintings are so astounding from their s8mplicity of execution, but they convey so much about the place. Sometimes the scale is large and has immense heft and weight to the use of a paired back monochrome. Then. It may be as small as A4 and the smallest turn of the brush stroke the white spaces between colours suggestive of the light quality on that particular day. This is an artist who has acquired the skill to make such confident mark making. It is very impressive.
Ben Johnson's artwork is complimentary to Birkin Hayward despite his use of hyper realism. The gallery attendant has to make a point of telling you these photographs are taken of paintings Johnson has previously executed. This is phenomenally detailed and skilled work. Some works are like screen prints and are exercises in how slabs of tone can convey architectural mass and structure. There are also photographs of large wall paintings he executed in Hong Kong of the harbour. The precision in his original drawing is impressive, there is one drawing inside a cathedral which is particularly striking. Other work has been done using computer aided design, and reaches a level of intricate detail only achievable through that means.
I didn't look know what to expect when I read the Salthouse programme. So this gallery show was a particularly wonderful surprise, ideally suited to the light and architectural echoes of this church space. This exhibition runs until the 6th of September 2026, a must see it if your here on holiday or local.
CARROT REVIEW - 6/8
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