ArtHouse exhibition: Jason Butler ‘One on one’

ArtHouse Jersey’s new arts space in St Helier, ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House, is opening with an exhibition from the celebrated Nottingham-born, Jersey-raised abstract artist Jason Butler.

Launching on Thursday 14th April 2022, (with a private view on Wednesday 13th April), the arts charity is providing an opportunity for people to spend time one-on-one with a sensational piece of art without any noise or distractions.

Having been granted exclusive access to Jason Butler’s latest extraordinary collection of paintings, they will be showcasing a selection of this work, whilst providing viewers the opportunity to spend an extended period of time in complete solitude with one canvas. 20 minute slots can be booked via ArtHouse Jersey’s Eventbrite page.

‘One on One’ is also a solo walk-in exhibition where people are encouraged to come to the space and explore the whole collection of work on display on Tuesday to Sunday between 10.30am and 6pm, from Thursday 14th April to 2nd May 2022.

One on one

We live in a frenetic world of social media, instant messaging and global connectivity. Many people find it difficult to take a moment to stop and reflect. Maybe, like most people, you’ve been to an exhibition or museum, but not felt like you’ve really ‘seen’ or connected with any of the work inside. And maybe you’ve found yourself wondering how people can get so excited about a particular painting or artwork when it leaves you feeling nothing. If so, this exhibition is for you. There is no secret or trick. In Jason’s work the different layers, textures and colours continuously shift. The more that you look, the more you will see and your own imagination will bring the painting to life.

Director of ArtHouse Jersey, Tom Dingle, said: “During the past six years I have been fortunate enough to visit Jason in his studio and observe the development of his work. As of 2016, his paintings have increasingly been focused on an abstract language which is very much his own. As someone not steeped in the history of abstract painting, I have found myself going on a voyage of discovery on my visits to see his work.  During each visit, I have been aware of how much my response to the paintings change and evolve the longer I sit with them. Jason’s work needs time. Time to contemplate the many layers of paint which create an intricate relationship of background and foreground. A sense of time within the work comes through along with a personal response to the light, colour and space as I have peered very more intently into the picture. My hope with this exhibition is that you also can experience this work in solitude and gain not only a better understanding of Jason’s paintings, but also have the opportunity to be still and present, in the company of work which deserves patient observation and contemplation.”

Artist Jason Butler said: “I am really delighted to be working with ArtHouse Jersey for this exhibition and it is a real pleasure and honoir to be holding the first show in their new space at Capital House. For me, painting is primarily a slow activity both in the making and the viewing so the ‘One-on-One’ concept really allows for a comprehensive experience.

Photo credit: Danny Richardson