Drawing On Life
Brendan Neiland
Redfern Gallery, 20 Cork Street, W1S 3HL
OCTOBER 17 - NOVEMBER 11 2017
Free
Brendan Neiland is known for his paintings of reflections in the windows of large city buildings. Neiland is inspired by both the cities of New York and Tokyo, spending extensive time in both and allowing himself to become fully immersed in the atmosphere and surroundings of these two places. Admittedly, I had never heard of Neiland before an email popped up in my inbox to a University of Sheffield Alumni evening - at the private view of Neiland's work at the Redfern Art Gallery. Intrigued by both the work and the free bar, I responded almost immediately and got myself a spot on the guest list.
The Redfern Gallery is located on Cork Street in Mayfair. It is known as one of the oldest British Art Galleries and notable for it's skylight windows. Specialising in Contemporary Art, Redfern hosts a number of modern Artists each year, 'Drawing On Life' not actually being Neiland's first show here.
Upon arrival, Asta and I realised quite quickly that we were definitely the youngest there. We each got a name badge, complete with our course and year of graduation. It was great to be surrounded by so many different and older people all sharing one common fact. We were all graduates of the same University: a place where each of us had spent minimum 3 years and undoubtedly held fond memories of.
The evening began at 18:30 and was wrapped up by 20:00. Various Chancellors and Directors of the University gave speeches, as well as Neiland himself who was described as a 'great supporter and friend of the university'. Whats funny is that Neiland was actually asked to paint some pieces for our 24 hour University Library, the Information Commons. I remember early mornings and long days in this place where we would often comment on the 'random' and 'brash' artwork which was enough to give you a headache when you were trying to desperately finish another 2,000 words before deadline.
The artwork included in this particular exhibition was a lot better than the works donated to the library, and experienced in a much more enjoyable setting... which probably helped. Neiland's work is an explosion of colour, vibrancy and life. The images erupt with energy and therefore are great representations of the buzzing metropolis' they depict. The abstract shapes and angles of Neiland's work help to keep it interesting and original whilst also helping his work remain firmly in the modern and contemporary category. Overall, Neiland is an important and current artist whose work will be enjoyable to anyone who appreciates abstract colour and pop art.
OVERALL RATING: ***
https://www.redfern-gallery.com/exhibitions/32
