Gilly Beal (United Kingdom) Residency: April 2018
‘Exploring the potential of gesture, materiality and improvisation’*
The single gestural brushstroke is the predominant feature of British artist Gilly Beal’s work.
In her monochromatic ink and oil paintings, every brushstroke visibly manifests the moment of the physical, imprecise gesture that created it. This limitation of means allows for expression through small variances or nuances of touch.
The Asian notion of simplicity in the calligraphic brushstroke is evident, perhaps testament to the fact that she lived in Asia for close to 30 years. Essentially she is interested in the notion of the hybrid — of ‘traditional’ versus ‘contemporary’ thinking — while exploring the visual and emotive potential of the gesture using different materials and improvised approaches.
She currently lives in London, UK.
Plan at Studio Kura
I plan to look at the brush mark anew, free of subjecting it to given interpretations. I want to experiment with mark making and use meditation as a means to work in a focused and disciplined way. I am also keen to add to my existing experience of working with sumi ink and different types of Japanese paper.
Bio
2015-2017 Turps Arts School Correspondence Course
2014 MA Fine Arts. Goldsmiths UK/ LaSalle College of the Arts, Singapore
2008 HNC (BTec) Fine Art Kensington & Chelsea College, London
2007 Summer School Foundation UCL – Slade School of Fine Art
1981 BA (Hons) Politics/History of Art, University College of Wales, Swansea
Solo Exhibitions
2012 LIFE LINES, Galeri Utama, Fort Canning, Singapore
Selected Group Exhibitions
2016 Correspond (touring show): The Artworks, Halifax; Rye Creative Centre, East
Sussex, Interview Room 11, Edinburgh
2015 Pameran Poskad, Gilman Barracks, Singapore
2015 50 Obsessions, Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore
2014 ArtOne21 Gallery, Affordable Art Fair, SIngapore
2014 The Spa, Eminent Plaza, Lavender, Singapore
2014 Closer. German Centre, Singapore
2014 Elephant Parade Hong Kong
2014 Landings. Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore
2013 Silent Giraffe. Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore
2012 Premiere. Artistry Gallery, Singapore
2010 Pameran Poskad, Singapore
2008 More. Better. Kensington & Chelsea College
2007 No Unifying Demographic. Kensington & Chelsea College
2007 Slade Summer School Foundation Show, UCL
2006 Malcolm’s Chickens. Block 43 Art Space, Singapore
2005 Drawing from Life. Block 43 Art Space, Singapore
Commissions: Wilson Associates. Canvas Art Consultants. HBA. JPA. Wheelock Properties
In the collections of private clients in Singapore, London, Hong Kong, Copenhagen and Bali.
