UNVEILING THE SPECTRUM OF COLOUR AND IMAGINATION: RICHARD KENTON WEBB'S LUMINOUS EXHIBITION
The exhibition brings together Kenton Webb with exhibition partner and Welsh painter Emrys Williams
Subject leader for BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking at Arts University Plymouth, Richard Kenton Webb, is exhibiting at the Benjamin Rhodes Gallery, London. ‘LUMINOUS: Light, Colour, Imagination’ is a collaboration between Kenton Webb and Welsh painter Emrys Williams. The exhibition shows paintings that are part of Kenton Webb’s ‘Manifesto of Painting’ series, an ongoing affirmation of the relevance of painting in the 21st century. Running until 17 February, the exhibition also includes works that form part of Kenton Webb’s larger philosophical investigation of ‘The Practice of Colour’ which Kenton Webb began in 1998 while teaching at London’s renowned Slade School of Fine Art.
The exhibition explores the philosophical aspects of colour in art, particularly focusing on the concept of colour as a language and forms part of his ‘Manifesto of Painting’, which he began at the Slade School of Fine Art. The exhibition delves into various themes, with each colour representing different ideas such as thought, listening and creativity. The show also includes works linked to Richard Kenton Webb’s ‘Paradise Lost’ series, reflecting on the synergies between drawing and painting.
Emrys Williams’ evocative work, such as ‘Nightswimming’ and ‘City Dwelling’, delve into themes of longing and emotional space, echoing the concept of ‘wish fulfilment’ as articulated by artist and writer Lawrence Gowing.
Kenton Webb is an award-winning artist and educator with over 30 years of experience in various teaching roles. He joined Arts University Plymouth late in 2020 as Subject Leader for BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing and Printmaking and prior to his current position in Plymouth he taught at institutions including the Slade School of Fine Art, London and The Royal Drawing School, London. As well as teaching at some of the most respected art colleges in the UK, he has taken part in many residencies overseas, including The British School, Rome; Cité International des Arts, Paris; SACI International, Florence; LARQ, Tasmania, Australia; and Tao Hua Tan, China.
The artist and educator was awarded the Sunny Art Prize in 2020. His practice focuses on painting, drawing and printmaking, and his work is held in collections in the UK, Europe, China, Mauritius, Japan, Australia, the USA and Canada. Richard Kenton Webb’s most recent shows have been in Texas at the Martin Museum of Art in Emergence, curated by Dr Richard Davey; and at the Sokei Academy, Tokyo in Seer: European Painting & Drawing, curated by John France.
Emrys Williams is a painter, born in Liverpool and based in Llandudno, Wales. A Slade School of Fine Art alumnus, his work features in many public and private collections including the Arts Council of England, the Government Art Collection, the National Museum of Wales and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. He has received multiple awards, including the Gold Medal in Fine Art at the National Eisteddfod of Wales
Richard Kenton Webb said, “The wonderful privilege of running one of only ten painting degree courses in the UK, coupled with maintaining an active practice in painting and exhibiting both nationally and internationally, allows me to invite prospective students, as well as current and former ones, to directly experience what I teach. ‘The proof is in the pudding’—a phrase generally attributed to the 1701 translation by Peter Anthony Motteux of a proverb used by Miguel de Cervantes in 'Don Quixote' (1615)!”
“This exhibition celebrates three things for me in the looking, eating and digesting of my thinking as an artist and painter. Firstly, it continues my ‘Manifesto of Painting’ series that began last year at Benjamin Rhodes in a solo exhibition, ‘Vol 5’. Secondly, Benjamin Rhodes Gallery has just published my comprehensive digital publication covering a body of 172 drawings, prints and paintings. These works are in response to John Milton’s epic and ground-breaking poem ‘Paradise Lost’, originally published in 1667 and 1674, marking the 350 year anniversary of his death. Lastly, I have contributed an essay to a new publication from Oxford University Press titled 'Milton Across Borders and Media,' edited by Islam Issa and Angelica Duran. This publication includes essays, interviews, and works under the theme ‘The Synergies of Drawing and Painting Paradise Lost’.”
“I hope you can all come and visit the gallery in London and enjoy what work is being made by a Plymouth artist who lives and works in this great city.”
You can visit ‘LUMINOUS: Light, Colour, Imagination’ at the Benjamin Rhodes Gallery in London until 17 February 2024. For more information, please visit the Benjamin Rhodes Gallery website or follow the gallery on Instagram.
Based in large, open-plan studios designed with lofted ceilings and windows that allow for northern exposure to natural light, BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking at Arts University Plymouth specialises in the synergy of painting, drawing and fine print, bringing these practices together with a focus on colour as a conceptual and pedagogical practice. Students have gone on to establish successful art practices in Plymouth, Falmouth, St Ives, Exeter, Bristol, London and Europe, with graduates working as painters, drawing artists, printmakers, fine artists, teachers and gallery owners.
If you want to begin a BA (Hons) degree or Foundation Diploma in Art & Design this year, call Arts University Plymouth on +44 (0)1752 203402 or Whatsapp on 07722 744184 or visit an Open Day to experience life on campus.