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FLAW – the new works by Derek Hill

15/02/2010

A Sunderland artist who has been in popular demand after debuting his work at a city centre gallery in 2008, has returned to the venue with the second phase of his larger than life project. 

Derek Hill uses industrial chemicals and traditional oil paints to create large scale canvases that represent living, growing forms as if seen under a microscope.

Co-founder and lead artist of Sunderland Art Studio since 1986, Derek was commissioned by Sunniside Partnership in 2008 to show his work at Sunniside’s new art gallery at thePlace business and arts centre.

Since then he has also exhibited at Darlington Arts Centre and is soon to take his show down to Berkshire, after the director of Bracknell Gallery was so impressed with his work that she moved the prestigious Jerwood Art Prize to accommodate it.

Derek, whose methods have been likened to that of an alchemist, has returned to thePlace to display the second part of his ‘Flaw’ exhibition, which runs until March 1.

He is currently experimenting with flock wallpaper and net curtains, which transform as a result of the reaction between the oils and solvents poured over it. An example of this is included in his latest exhibition.

Derek said: “At the heart of my paintings is the paradox of using toxic, combustible, industrial materials to achieve something alive and organic. As they dry, the paintings morph and shape over time so there is a natural evolution.

“I have loved integrating the flock wallpaper into my work, which is so ornate and opulent, and the paradox of transforming it into an industrial object.

“I don’t start with an idea of the end result; it’s the whole process and the discovery that is exciting for me. I have arrived at many different formats through experience and experimentation so it’s continually fresh and challenging.”

thePlace is the latest addition to Sunniside’s £130m regeneration programme and is home to exhibition space, a café, meeting rooms, artists’ studios and a range of offices.

Since Sunniside Partnership was established in 2003, the area has attracted more than £100m of investment. Historic buildings have been brought back to life and new businesses, homes and public realm improvements are helping to establish it as a thriving and stylish part of the city centre.

Sunniside Partnership works closely with its parent company Sunderland arc and is supported by Sunderland City Council, One North East and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Flaw is open to the public Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and admission is free.

ENDS

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