Damian Elwes – New Paintings 2016

Beginning his career as a graffiti artist in the 1980s, British born Elwes was living in New York.
In 1984 some of his first paintings were chosen by the eminent London art dealer, Robert Fraser, to be included in a graffiti exhibition with Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.

This early influence is still evident, and his latest show which is coming to the Serena Morton Gallery in London, is a perfect example of the reflection of the instantaneous act of graffiti, in an artist's working environment, where he has recreated some of the most notorious artist's studios from history.

 "The way an artist places his things tells you as much about him as his painting does - these people were so visual that even the negative space [between objects] has been thought about, so what I'm doing is painting thousands of still lives laid out for me by the most creative minds of the last century. "

Alongside the detailed studio paintings, Elwes will also display some of his “Goddess” paintings, a series of nudes in nature that celebrate the healing power of women. The two sets of work exhibited together show the range of Elwes’ style. 

Now living and working in Santa Monica, California, this is a rare opportunity to see his work in the UK. 

Serena Morton Gallery, 345 Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 6HA
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 11am - 4pm

Article by Sara Darling