Current Paintings 2024: Notes on Development
Since 1983, I’ve connected the development of my artwork to establishing projects that illuminate societal, scientific, and medical issues often hidden from the public. I’d work with others to broaden access to services and visual art, especially for minorities. It’s a method to directly tap into resources for creating work that reflects on my experiences while providing analytical insights and fresh perspectives on some of life’s flaws and intrigue in mainstream culture. Since the mid-1990s, the paintings have explored the conflict between chance and control, inspired initially by a near-death infection.
There’s transparency to the painting process, which involves an exact balance of actions. Sealed canvas frameworks are built to contain liquids and various composite solutions are prepared. I work quickly and intuitively, applying the solutions at precise intervals, sometimes scratching into and ripping away at the surface. As the work dries over time, layered applications and submerged forms reveal an emergence of tension in the struggle for change. The process doesn’t allow the same result twice; instead, it’s about demonstrating what’s possible on the journey.
Dr. Outi Remes, former director of SHP, said, “I had the pleasure of working with Derek Hill on the “Flaw” exhibition at South Hill Park in 2011. Derek’s approach to his art is truly alchemical, transforming his cavernous studio into a magical space filled with intricate wooden beams, paintings, and tools. His ability to blend a vast array of materials and techniques results in works ranging from microscopic biological processes to grand geographical phenomena, all within a few square feet. His work is lucid and mysterious, generous and intense, and his creative vision made the exhibition a resounding success. Derek’s dedication and innovative spirit are truly inspiring, and I highly recommend him for any artistic endeavour.” May 23, 2024. Outi Remes is the director of the New Ashgate Gallery.
Aim: Working in science labs has inspired exciting and alternative ways of presenting the work to the public. The goal is to collaborate with a curator to develop ideas for exhibiting the paintings as a public installation that interacts with the spaces from a broader, less conventional angle.
Current work-Inside the studio: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/item/inside-the-studio-summer-2024/
John Millard: CBCB review: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/cat/artist-at-the-cbcb/
Dr Outi Remes: Processing Paintings: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/item/processing-paintings/?cat=84
Film archives: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/films/
Further information: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/cat/about-derek-hill/
Work Collections: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/