Shifts in Time: Spring
The process of a painting isn’t predetermined, nor is there a fixed formula for it. While preparation is important, intuition plays a central role in determining its outcome. The intrigue lies in the unexpected and in how events unfold on the surface. In “Shifts in Time,” various actions are explored to enable the media to interact freely and naturally. Over time, some paintings are repositioned upright at different angles to stretch, shift, and alter in character. Occasionally, paintings may be partially reworked or completely transformed.
The works are mixed media on canvas and presented in non-chronological order. Each measures 2 x 2.5 and 2 x 2 metres.
“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 lean in stacks in all directions. They are slotted in rows into every alcove. They cover the floor on sheets of polythene. On the narrow strips between them are pots and tools, and there’s not much room to walk. Derek’s alchemy consists in making combinations from his remarkable storehouse of materials and in 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 appear to be vast geographical processes made to happen in a few square feet. They are lucid and mysterious, generous and intense, majestic and, literally, wonderful.” John Millard (2010) J. Millard (Former manager of Liverpool and Newcastle Museums) Shifts in Time 1994-2024: Parts 1-5: 1994-2014: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/news-press-exhibitions/ Current Paintings: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/cat/current-paintings/ Inside the Studio Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQteKPuE8QuOJpmEYsKIPxY7pMb2DmI8_&si=ysKU3eW8zgMV0yhJ Artist’s Full Playlist: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCEncWmw9aBoL4KFf-96boeA/content/playlists
