Derek Hill is an RCA-trained practitioner based in the North East of England with an established reputation for public engagement. He founded The Art Studio in Sunderland in 1986, where he developed his art as its artistic lead for 26 years until he moved to his present studio in 2012. His project Flaw was exhibited as a solo exhibition at the Myles Meehan Gallery in 2009 and Flaw, The New Work at the South Hill Park Arts Centre in 2011. Hill was the artist in residence at the CBCB, Newcastle University, between 2016 and 2022, researching and developing artwork. The artwork for Hidden Kingdoms Shifting Worlds was exhibited at the CBCB in 2018 and 2022. Part of the collection is available for viewing by appointment at the CBCB.
On the exhibition, Flaw, John Millard, former manager of Newcastle and Liverpool Museums, writes: “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 the New Work’: SHP Arts Centre: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.466661434861.252735.56652329861&type=3 On the exhibition Flaw: the New Work, Dr Outi Remes, former Director of the Bracknell Galleries, 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. With best wishes, Outi.” August 2023. Flaw 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 a-n: https://www.a-n.co.uk/tag/south-hill-park-arts-centre/page/2/ 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 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
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 made to happen in a few square feet. They are lucid and mysterious, generous and intense, majestic and, literally, wonderful.”Exhibition reviews:
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