Duncan Johnson
My art represents an attempt to capture an experience of the landscape of Wales, The Western Highlands of Scotland and Shropshire. Rather than trying to create a photographic sense of realism, I hope to communicate something about the spirit of a place, drawing inspiration from its sounds and smells, its atmosphere, and the feelings it provokes.
My painting seems to me inseparable from my sense of belonging in the landscape. I will often return many times to a location to paint it, getting to know it more deeply as I do so. I feel that this way of working helps to infuse the paintings with a consciousness of the passing of time and season. Having said that, I do not wish to reflect an idealised view of the landscape, rather, I aim for a truthful balance between ‘wild’ nature and the immense and ever-changing impact of human activity on the land.
Above all, my work is a series of responses to the landscape, encountered in solitude. I find that isolation and the feeling of vulnerability, or even fear, that comes with it, can help attune the senses and intensify awareness in a way that is artistically productive. These experiences are central to my painting; even my choice of colour is often a way of conveying my emotional response to a place. I find that music serves to enhance or intensify my moods in a way that assists the creative process.
Duncan Johnson
My art represents an attempt to capture an experience of the landscape of Wales, The Western Highlands of Scotland and Shropshire. Rather than trying to create a photographic sense of realism, I hope to communicate something about the spirit of a place, drawing inspiration from its sounds and smells, its atmosphere, and the feelings it provokes.
My painting seems to me inseparable from my sense of belonging in the landscape. I will often return many times to a location to paint it, getting to know it more deeply as I do so. I feel that this way of working helps to infuse the paintings with a consciousness of the passing of time and season. Having said that, I do not wish to reflect an idealised view of the landscape, rather, I aim for a truthful balance between ‘wild’ nature and the immense and ever-changing impact of human activity on the land.
Above all, my work is a series of responses to the landscape, encountered in solitude. I find that isolation and the feeling of vulnerability, or even fear, that comes with it, can help attune the senses and intensify awareness in a way that is artistically productive. These experiences are central to my painting; even my choice of colour is often a way of conveying my emotional response to a place. I find that music serves to enhance or intensify my moods in a way that assists the creative process.
Gallery 54 – The Premier Art Gallery in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
A fine collection of contemporary abstract art set within a 17th Century listed building.
Gallery 54 is accessible to everyone who enjoys viewing paintings, ceramics and glassware.
The 17th century building has been sympathetically restored to revitalise the quality and solidity of its natural building materials. Fusing original features with clean-lined contemporary design, Gallery 54 provides a space with an understated elegance and quirky appeal.
The exhibition space consists of two discrete floors balanced and accessed by an open stairwell gallery. The stairwell creates an open house ambience and displays artworks in a homely situ.
The strength of Gallery 54 lies in the calibre and integrity of the collected art. The viewing experience is energised by the juxtaposition of old and new. Contemporary abstract art backs on to the inherited architecture, off-setting modernity with sculptural period charm.
Gallery 54 currently exhibits work from over 20 artists. Some garnered from rich local talent, whilst others are national and international artists. Although the works lean towards, or securely belong in the abstract/modern genre, this does not limit their diversity.
All the artists share a keen aesthetic sense, absorption in interrelations of space, form and colour and evident joy in the suggestive ambiguity of abstract art.
Current artists include Alison MacGregor Grimley, Daniel Calderwood, Jo Jenkins, Mary Rose Young, Stuart Ellis, Amanda Hemmer, Duncan Johnson, Joanna Mayne, Rachel Sudworth, Zoe Taylor, Annica Neumuller, Fausta Scarano, John Maxwell Steele, Stephen Rippington, Celia Johnson, Isobel Mitchell, Maria Pierides and Steve Payter
If you have any questions regarding our works, or want to join the mailing list you can contact us by calling or emailing and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!
Gallery 54
54 High Street
Ross-on-Wye
HR9 5HH
01989 567 917
info@gallery-54.com
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram