Opening this Friday at our Maddox Street and Westbourne Grove galleries, ‘Summer Daze’ presents an exciting collection of works by a range of artists, many of which are new to Maddox. Dive into the cool waters of Jessica Brilli’s pool scenes, sink in to the vibrant textures of Brent Estabrook’s quilts and meditate in the technicolour vistas created by Julio Sarramian. Let’s take a look at each artist and highlights of the works they bring to Summer Daze.
Spanish born, abstract painter, Julio Sarramián creates vivid and bright landscapes using oil on linen. The artist’s work, such as Glitchland 28, explores the role of technology in society by creating a visually idealised landscape which appears as if created by tech. It is perfect, yet nothing in life can be so, there is always a “glitch” in the system. Through this error, the work questions how we edit and change the very landscape of our own life.
German emerging artist Moritz Moll’s paintings transport the viewer into vibrant yet quiet daydreams. These large-scale oil and acrylic portraits hold a sense of calm and tranquillity. Yellow Flower effortlessly encapsulates his sensitive and delicate colour palette. A split-second moment of reflection is captured in soft warm tones, embracing the viewer like a warm breeze on a summer’s day.
Yellow Flowers, 2023 Oil, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 130 x 100 cm
Based in Barcelona, Spanish artist Miriam Dema uses acrylic and oil paint in conjuncture with oil sticks and pastels. The work Guisantes del Maresme, echoes the time that the artist spent in Peru studying Peruvian cuisine. Through layers of paint the artist creates a visible three-dimensional construction of her memories. With a play on perspective, it highlights humanity’s presence in the mundane every day with a gust of fresh and naïve air.
Guisantes del Maresme, 2023 Acrylic, oil pastel and oil stick on canvas, 130 x 89 cm
Abstract French painter Kean has mastered the art of gradients. Created in a range of colour, Kean’s landscapes project sensuality and serenity, echoing the American Colour Field movement throughout each canvas. One Love, starts as one form yet further down the work begins to subtly divide into two separate bodies, allowing for a portal-like door to be created. With its subtle glow of a parallel dimension, the painting invites the viewer to escape into a dream-like trance.
One Love, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, 114 x 162 cm
Established American artist Brent Estabrook is known for his large-scale oil paintings of stuffed animals. However, his heart belongs to his “quilt” series: large scale and vibrant works, created in thick oil paints. Like in Love Triangle, each quilt tells a different story, and the viewer interprets it according to what they feel –happiness, joy, excitement or even a sense of ecstasy. Ask yourself, who are the subjects behind the quilt, and what do each of them represent?
Spanish artist Oscar Llorens reminds us how important childhood years are through his playful and colourful characters created in detailed pencil drawings on paper. Childhood is key in the artist’s work and Llorens explores how our earliest memories connect us to others. Bright and joyful characters, as in The Traveller, play on nostalgia and the simplicity of youth, as growing older we begin to long for the days of innocence.
Polish born, Michael Slusakowicz creates vibrant works on canvas that explore colour and mood. The still lives play on two and three-dimensionality with repeating motif’s tapping into his subconscious dream word. Works such as Composition with Lilac Jar urge the viewer to create their own narrative and interpretation.
American artist Jessica Brilli uses acrylic and oil paint on canvas to create work reminiscent of American Realism and 20th century graphic design. The artist’s paintings, such as Essence of the Past, reveal the beauty in everyday life and become shadows of memories. The ambiguous work allows the viewer to insert themselves into the scene, creating their own private and personal narrative.
Essence of the Past, 2023, Acrylic and oil on canvas, 122 x 183 cm
One of the most influential 20th century photographers, Slim Aarons (1916-2006) is famed for his snapshots of wealth and glamour. Traveling across the world, the photographer captured intimate scenes whilst attending parties and rubbing shoulders with high society. Shots such as Poolside Pairs transport you to a bygone era. These women could be strangers, your neighbours, or even esteemed Hollywood royalty.
London based, Graceland London paints in acrylic on canvas and juxtaposes the two dimensionality of the medium with oil paint. Through large-scale paintings, such as Call Me Perfect, the artist examines consumerism and the over-consumption of vices. The work is dark in subject matter and aims to cast light on the facades we build for others to see.
Call Me Perfect, 2023 Acrylic on Canvas, 120 x 150 cm
Visit Summer Daze at Maddox Street and Westbourne Grove, from 21st July to 7th September.
Opening Hours
9 Maddox Street, London W1S 2QE: Monday - Saturday, 10-6pm