ABOUT DEREK HILL
Derek Hill is an RCA-trained practitioner based in northeast England, widely recognised for his contributions to public engagement in the arts. Hill founded The Art Studio in Sunderland, where he served as the artistic lead for 26 years from 1986 before relocating to his current studio in 2012. His project “Flaw” was featured as a solo exhibition at the Myles Meehan Gallery in 2009, followed by “Flaw: The New Work,” showcased solo at the South Hill Park Arts Centre in 2011. From 2016 to 2022, Hill held the position of artist-in-residence based at the CBCB, Newcastle University, where he focused on microbial research that led to new artwork for the project “Hidden Kingdoms Shifting Worlds.”
Paintings from the Hidden Kingdoms Shifting Worlds collection were exhibited at the CBCB in 2018 and again in 2022. These pieces can be viewed by appointment at the CBCB. Hill continues to create paintings and drawings for future exhibitions and collaborations based on the theme of Hidden Kingdoms Shifting Worlds.
Of the exhibition Flaw: the New Work, Dr. Outi Remes, former Director of the South Hill Park Art Centre, writes:
“I was delighted with the SHP show, and it reflected well on the amazing studio visit. It all felt like a total work of art: one installation. ” 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 in Farnham. Flaw: The New Work, South Hill Park Arts Centre (SHP). Reviews: https://www.a-n.co.uk/tag/south-hill-park-arts-centre/page/2/ Exhibition photographs, courtesy of SHP: https://youtu.be/h0L_UDzUwpU?si=WkbovWGXTDZSAD17 “Derek Hill works like an alchemist. His studio is a magical place where he conducts his experiments. It is a cavernous roof space with alcoves and wooden stairways on every side. Overhead is a tangle of huge wooden beams with an occasional fluttering pigeon, and, in the middle, is a great irregular space. Paintings are everywhere. They are slotted in rows into every alcove. They cover the floor with sheets of polythene. On the narrow strips between them are pots and tools, and there’s little room to walk. By J. Millard (Former manager of Liverpool and Newcastle Museums), 2010. Flaw: an article by Outi Remes for Axis Arts https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/item/reviews-exhibitions/ Derek Hill, FLAW—Dr. Davy Smith reviews ‘FLAW’ at Myles Meehan Gallery, Darlington Arts Centre for Flash Art International: http://www.derekhill.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FLASH.docx.pdf. Flaw: a-n: https://www.a-n.co.uk/tag/south-hill-park-arts-centre/page/2/ Flaw: SHP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.466661434861.252735.56652329861&type=3 Flaw: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/item/reviews-exhibitions/?cat=84 Flaw: YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQteKPuE8QuPoWlIPZK2L2UfbItmpOZRN&si=zxiCwSB9WsKRxWjO Hidden Kingdoms: Shifting Worlds. Introduction by John Millard: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/cat/hidden-kingdoms-shifting-worlds/ Hidden Kingdoms: Shifting Worlds: Exhibition 2022. Foreword by Dr Davy Smith: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/open-now-hidden-kingdoms-shifting-worlds-exhibition-baddiley-clark-building-newcastle/ The Art Studio: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/item/the-art-studio/?cat=84 Shifts in Time 1994-2024: Parts 1-5, 1994-2014: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/news-press-exhibitions/ Derek Hill Channel YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@derekhill5586
In the exhibition, Flaw, John Millard, the former manager of the Newcastle and Liverpool Museums, writes:
Derek’s alchemy consists of making combinations from his remarkable storehouse of materials and deploying his immense compendium of techniques. His images are drawn, poured, and painted in a meticulous sequence of actions, balancing chance and control. Some of his canvases are like microscopic biological processes expanded to a massive size. Others are vast geographical processes that occur within a few square feet. They are lucid and mysterious, generous and intense, majestic and, literally, wonderful.”Exhibition reviews:
