Cut Out - Series 1

17th - 31st May 2023

67 St Helens Gardens W10 6LL

Norman Hyams, William Van Hoorn, Charlie Gosling, Charlie Boothright

Cut Out – Series 1: a two-week-long exhibition of paintings and films curated by contributing film-maker Freddie Foulkes. Born out of the simple and child-like desires to experiment and explore, Cut Out – Series 1 sees new work by Norman Hyams, William Van Hoorn, Charlie Gosling, and Charlie Boothright . As a celebration of these four painters, figures who in this scenario play the anti-heroes of contemporary society, hiding themselves away to create, this exhibition finds its roots in the work of Freddie Foulkes. 

Using an 8mm video camera, Freddie filmed, edited, and released (on YouTube) two films on each of these painters in their studios, save for William on whom he released three. He makes it clear that he was forever wary of misrepresenting or disturbing the painters’ practice with his lens. His nine short films are as much concerned with these painters for what they paint as for who they are. They are simultaneously concerned with art, its history, and its variety, and what, for want of a better phrase, keeps these painters ‘ticking’; what motivates these four individuals to create and crucially keep creating. 

Alongside these films, Cut Out - Series 1 presents contemporary paintings, both figurative and abstract. What unites these four painters is, paradoxically, their individuality. The subjects of the paintings exhibited in Cut Out – Series 1 are not exclusively what these individuals have painted. There is in every case an idea, a concept, or a philosophy that we have to thank for these fine examples of post-modern painting. Often, these works have stemmed from a deep-rooted desire to express individuality. One can experience these paintings like one experiences dance or music: as abstract expressions of sentiment and feeling. 

These paintings are also more than the result of personality and temperament combined. The work of Hyams, Van Hoorn, Gosling, and Boothright is evidence of the fantastically varied, enthusiastic, buoyant, and brave art that London has to offer. Irrespective of differences in age, training, accomplishments, or public recognition, each of the four is dedicated to developing their craft. Testament to their exploration with media, composition, colour, light, and texture (among other formal features), these paintings are exciting to see. 

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Pleasure, 67 St Helens Gardens W10, 2023

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Cut Out – Series 1, Studio Films, 2022-23