Artists have for millennia been inspired by diverse people, with differing cultures.
The place where we live influences the way we look, develop and think
We adopt differing beliefs and ways of living. All are equally valid.
Together we can create a beautiful and fascinating world.
“Diversity is the one true thing that we all have in common” Winston Churchill.
Alistair Gillan, Dan Whiteson, David Beanland, Natalia Yakushev & John Durham present their own visions on the topic.
Dan Whiteson
Dan is a figurative artist and educator working out of North London. His practice deals with the body in contemporary society.
With the increasingly insidious effect of digital media encroaching on our everyday experiences, Whiteson seeks to visualise what he terms the, 'Disintegration of the Physical Self'. Echoing the targeted, curated approach of online advertising, his work seeks to portray these endless distractions from the here and now through an almost surgical deconstruction of the human form. Limbs become inorganic; geometric shapes wrestling with the beauty of the body and threatening to overwhelm it.
Now, with the social climate shifting towards restrictions on freedom of expression, and outright hostility towards minority groups becoming commonplace, Whiteson's work has taken on a more political edge. He prioritises working with models from under-represented communities or backgrounds: be it members of the LGBTQ+ community; those with physical disabilities; from ethnic minority groups or body types that are not traditionally given space to, in an attempt to draw attention to these attacks on identity, and to celebrate the beauty in all of us.
Natalia Yakushev
“Enchanted by Asian Art and the Japanese concept of "Wabi-sabi", appreciating beauty in impermanence and imperfection, I create paintings and calligraphy and sometimes books inspired by the exquisite cultural traditions of Japan, China and Islamic lands. With an emphasis on the beauty of nature and a deep admiration for societies around the world , I explore the accessibility and translatability of various cultures in my creations. I aim to bring harmony into everyday life. My pieces showcase the beauty, love and kindness that I encounter on my journey and I aim to share a piece of my heart with you.
My work blends my deep respect for traditional art forms with my own artistic voice, celebrating cultural diversity and natural beauty.”
John Durham
GEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES John lives in Hertfordshire and paints Geological Landscapes, producing contemporary paintings which focus on revealing the underlying structures of some of his favourite places and landscapes.
His passion for rocks and stones has been the inspiration for his art and he uses colour and form to explore and reveal the structure and geology of some iconic landscapes which lends these works a fascinating insight and a new perspective.
His paintings have been exhibited at many local exhibitions and in museums and galleries in London, St Albans, Harlow, Norfolk, Peterborough and Nuneaton.
Alistair Gillian
“I’m a native digital creative, embracing technology at every step of the creative process.
After a career in graphic design and digital film production, I became hugely interested in the capabilities of Ai image generation, it reignited my desire to create digital art, and set me down another creative path where combining Ai generated references and my own digital input, I was able to visualise my inner thoughts and dreams.
In the same way I love to tell stories with documentary film, I love to try and tell a story with my art.
I’m passionate about combining texture with vector, strong colour, a subtle detail that’s not always obvious at first glance.”
Huge thanks to The Hill Group for their generous financial support which enables the Gallery and its team of volunteers to present exhibitions for public enjoyment.