From commission to conception to creation, my painting Rumination Beetle in Mel Sq for outdoor group show Surreal Solihull curated by Ruth Millington
‘Surreal Solihull’ exhibition is now open and free to visit along Solihull High Street and runs until 31 May. Exploring Surrealism, Solihull It also celebrates the life and work of pioneering British Surrealist Emmy Bridgwater, and her legacy today.’
‘Paul Newman’s art involves drawing, painting and performance. His pictorial interests range from historical landscape painting to local urban scenery, and he explores themes including architectural and psychological ruins. Newman also incorporates movie-based monsters in a body of work called English Gothic. Newman grew up in Solihull and his interests and nostalgia play a part in this fantastical depiction of Mell Square. The giant beetle is from a series inspired by a visit to the Ashmolean Flemish Still Life gallery, these mysterious insects often appearing in the periphery
of the paintings. The creature here is like a super-imposed monster from a 1970s Dr Who episode’
This is the website with links to each artist/performer’s bio: Surreal Solihull – Outdoor Exhibition
Local colleges have had the opportunity to also respond to the theme Surreal Solihull and the students’ work will be displayed in the unit opposite Starbucks at the entrance to Touchwood
Project curated by Ruth Millington @ruth_millington
@culturesolihull , @solihullcouncil , @westmids_ca, #surrealsolihull