Paul Kneen – ‘PAINtings’ A Retrospective Look At His Show
Stamford-based artist Paul Kneen has just finished a hugely successful solo show at Peterborough museum, which closed in June 2024.
We wanted to highlight some of the beautiful work Paul exhibited at the museum with a little retrospective of the show.
A beautiful limited edition print from this show, will be available from our good selves online and at the gallery in Clifton Arcade, Bristol in mid July, more info on that soon..
Spanning a year of dedicated creation, “PAINtings” delves deep into the complexities of mental health, offering a poignant exploration of the human psyche through a diverse array of abstract portraits. Each piece captures the essence of frustration, distress, and despair, yet beneath the surface lies a glimmer of hope, conveyed through vibrant hues and expressive strokes.
Reflecting on his work, Kneen shares, “While the subject matter may appear sombre, I’ve created each painting with a sense of vitality, hinting at the resilience of the human spirit. Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of today’s world, it’s essential to acknowledge the collective struggles we face, both internally and externally.” Presented in a curated sequence, the exhibition offers a chronological narrative of Knee’s artistic evolution over the past year.
As you move through the three rooms, you are invited to witness first-hand the evolution of Kneen’s distinctive creative style, from its experimental stages through to its final evolution.
Breaking away from convention, Knee’s innovative approach transcends traditional canvases, with artworks spanning across a myriad of mediums, including expansive wooden boards, recycled cardboard, and even skateboards. Each surface becomes a canvas for the artist’s introspective exploration, adding depth and dimension to the narrative.
“PAINtings” stands as a testament to the transformative power of art, offering solace and introspection in equal measure.
Paul’s painting ‘Embers of hope’ is to be acquired by Peterborough Museum for their private collection.
The painting was created during his solo show at the museum, it will now remain there on permanent display.
(Text and images – Vince John added context & extracts taken from promo material for Peterborough museum, enquiries regarding this article or images please contact vince1loveart@gmail.com )