Shifts in Time: A Journey
Shifts in Time: A Journey. Chronicle of a painting’s journey from its inception in July to beyond in 2025. This article, published in 2011 by Dr Outi Remes, featuring insights from John Millard regarding the exhibition ‘Flaw: The New Work’, tells the story of a painting’s journey today. The journey is captured in a sequence of images. It begins at the bottom of the gallery, proceeding in an ascending order.
Bracknell Gallery Flaw: The New Work.
An article by Dr Outi Remes featuring insights from John Millard (original article below)
There is a scientific underpinning to Derek Hill’s work, present in both the methods and the outcomes. His practice is as much about the process as the finished piece, with each artwork reflecting experimentation and discovery. Hill works with a variety of media, including industrial and solvent-based paints, as well as traditional oils. The painting process itself resembles a scientific experiment, as he studies how these different materials interact and evolve as they dry. Through this, Hill’s work parallels scientific evolution: the changes and unpredictability of his materials mirror the evolution of life itself. Despite the use of industrial paints and processes, Hill’s art ultimately becomes alive and organic, standing as a counterpoint to its origins.
His approach to painting is equally organic. Hill lays large canvases on the floor, subjecting them to complex, lengthy processes that can extend up to six months, during which he applies and reapplies multiple layers of paint. He often works on up to twelve canvases simultaneously, generating momentum and energy in his artistic workflow.
John Millard, former Executive Director of Collections at National Museums Liverpool, describes Hill as an alchemist: “Derek Hill works like an alchemist. His studio is a magical place—a cavernous roof space with alcoves and wooden stairways on every side. Beams overhead, the occasional fluttering pigeon, and a central open area filled with paintings stacked in all directions. Canvases are everywhere: slotted into rows, with sheets of polythene covering the floor beneath them, and tools and pots filling the narrow avenues in between.
Derek’s alchemy lies in the combinations he creates from his remarkable assortment of materials and his mastery of diverse techniques. His images are made through a meticulous sequence of actions, balancing chance and control. Some canvases echo microscopic biological events on a grand scale; others evoke geographical processes condensed into a few square feet. The works are lucid and mysterious, generous and intense, majestic, and truly wonderful.”
Derek Hill is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and has exhibited and lectured throughout the UK and internationally. He is a recipient of national awards, including The Telegraph ASBA, and is co-founder and lead artist of the Art Studio in Sunderland.
Dr Outi Remes, Head of Exhibitions at South Hill Park, curated the exhibition featuring John Millard, the former manager of Liverpool and Newcastle Museums.
For press enquiries, contact Chloe Tigwell at telephone: 01344 416524 or email: chloe.tigwell@southhillpark.org.uk. For sales enquiries, reach out to the Gallery Desk and provide the artwork’s code.
South Hill Park Arts Team | Visual Arts | Exhibitions | www.southhillpark.org.uk
A Painting’s Journey. Video Shorts: https://youtu.be/Bz7iyyN3yn8?si=YqjwHK7nk6oTo95O
Inside the studio. Video Shorts Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQteKPuE8QuOJpmEYsKIPxY7pMb2DmI8_&si=wwo6WdC3TaVSOccY
Derek Hill Homepage and menu: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/
