Comme Ca Art presents

A selection of works by Joe Simpson

The Cornerhouse, Manchester
31st March – 8th June 2009

The Cornerhouse Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester

Click on the above for a 360 degree Virtual Tour of the Joe Simpson exhibtion.

Joe Simpson is a figurative painter currently living and working in Manchester. Joe is a new artist to Comme Ca; he has recently graduated with a First Class (Hons) Degree in Fine Art. Joe’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally, with notable exhibitions taking place at the House of Commons and Manchester City Art Gallery.  His paintings have been selected for many competitions and prizes, including Nationwide Mercury Music Art Prize and The Grieve + Samaritans Art Prize.

Joe’s artistic practice deals with the narrative potential of the still image. He works primarily in oil paint to create realistic images that utilise the conventions of cinematography to present ‘staged’, fictitious scenes where time has been stopped and extended. These frozen moments are deliberately ambiguous, inviting the viewer to inject their own emotions, motivations and narrative context into the scene, thereby avoiding limiting interpretation.This exhibition showcases a group of his work that spans a few years of his collection.  

“The characters in my paintings are often found vulnerable, in moments of profound self awareness, internally examining the situations that they have found themselves in and sometimes dealing with loneliness and isolation. It is true and noted often that my paintings focus more on sadness and melancholy than happier moments but I hope that whilst they depict sad moments they don't necessarily make you feel sad. Like a sad book or slow song it is possible to be consoled by the recognition of these emotions and take comfort in identifying them in others.” Joe Simpson

If you would like to attend the preview or would like further information about Joe Simpson please contact: claire.turner@commecaart.com.

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