Art exhibition: ‘Entr’acte Variations’ by Paul John Kilshaw

ArtHouse Jersey is delighted to announce their upcoming exhibition ‘Entr’acte Variations’ by Paul John Kilshaw which will launch at ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House on Thursday 11th August 2022.

Kilshaw is well established in the Jersey art scene, with over 40 solo exhibitions, locally and internationally, under his belt. This year Paul celebrates his 75th birthday and has engaged in the practices of painting and drawing for 62 years. A prominent figure in Jersey since his arrival as the Head of Art at Highlands College in 1972, his talent, knowledge and personal enthusiasm were a prominent part of his 30 year tenure at the college. Many students and adults who have benefitted from his wonderful teaching skills have developed into successful artists in their own right.

Paul’s distinctive painting style has continually evolved with time, moving steadily from figurative representation to a personal abstract style which incorporates shapes and forms that reflect his life’s journey. Fascinated by colour, line and texture, these three elements have been absorbed into the structure and fabric of his work and combine in harmony to reflect his moods, thoughts and experiences.

Entr’acte Variations

This exhibition is based on Paul’s personal experience during the pandemic, reflecting on the emotional and physical struggles he experienced, coping with the virus and the threat it posed to himself, his family, friends and indeed the entire world. Many of these paintings reflect weeks of sadness and despair, while others proclaim moments of optimism and joy. These emotions are conveyed on vibrant canvases of richly applied paint and are a testament to the artist’s deepest held conviction that his works can communicate a profound message to the viewer.

As part of the exhibition, Paul has designed colouring-in sheets for children and adults. Visitors are encouraged to explore their own creativity and be inspired by the vibrancy of the surrounding artwork. There will also be a workshop on colour theory followed by a practical painting session- keep an eye out for details.

ArtHouse Jersey wholly encourages group visits and welcomes visitors with particular requirements to contact [email protected] for support.

Artist Paul Kilshaw said: “I am so very happy, honoured and excited to show my recent paintings at ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House. As an artist I work alone, day in, day out so this is a wonderful opportunity for me to share my paintings and communicate my vision. In the last few years I have developed an exciting new found sense of freedom in my practice, working faster, with fewer layers and thinner paint.

“My art is my autobiography in paint and reflects 62 years of enjoyment, pleasure and fulfilment. I am so lucky to have found my style in my painting and it is still a voyage of discovery. The joy for me is that I can select what I want to see in the painting, my own truth. Once a painting is finished it has a life of its own and the meaning changes with the viewer as they look at it in their own right. I paint for myself with intimacy, love, inspiration and enthusiasm that gives me new and creative ideas to develop into my painting. I am very grateful for the support that ArtHouse Jersey has given me.”

Director of ArtHouse Jersey, Tom Dingle said: “We are thrilled to support Paul John Kilshaw in the presentation of this latest solo exhibition. We have a great deal of respect and admiration for Paul as a painter and hope these paintings will not only delight in their own right, but perhaps help others to process their own complex experiences of what was both a global and personal trauma for so many. I strongly encourage people from all walks of life to attend the exhibition and participate in the associated activities on offer in order to benefit from the therapeutic and enjoyable nature of creativity.”