“I FEEL like I’m having a rebirth…and we are into a really bright, fresh, optimistic period,” says artist Dan Baldwin, as he launches The Pursuit Of Happiness at RedHouse Originals Gallery, Harrogate, his debut Yorkshire solo exhibition and first in the north of England since 2007.
“This new collection is a joyous remix of Baldwin’s renowned motifs of animals, flowers, and illustrations,” says RedHouse director Richard McTague, introducing the new Artist Spotlight series of kaleidoscopic original paintings, works on paper, ceramics, steel sculpture and rare editions that can be viewed alongside Baldwin’s iconic swallow series Love And Light. “The exhibition is a true serotonin boost, filled with an abundance of colour.”
Describing The Pursuit Of Happiness as “a celebration of painting, colour and nature”, Baldwin says his new collection focuses on “how painting and colour – along with nature – have been a healing factor over the last four years”, with a return to nature functioning as a form of self-therapy.
Blending abstract and figurative elements, reflecting both reality and the world of imagination, Baldwin says: “I feel like I’m having a rebirth; it’s over 30 years since I began art college in 1990, and a lot of my art over the last few years was quite dark…I feel that has gone, and we are into a really bright fresh optimistic period.
“I’ve come to realise that colour is the driving force behind my compositions. It is the starting point and creates the feel of the composition, dictating the next stages.”
“The work is more abstract, but totally conscious, every mark and element is selected very carefully to get this perfect balance…And that’s what every work is about: harmony, balance, layers, and how everything works together.”
The last word (of approval) goes to Pop Art doyen and RedHouse Originals alumnus Sir Peter Blake. “Looking at Dan’s work is like meeting old friends for me,” he says. “It looks as though at some point in our careers we used the same casting agency. I am flattered that Dan writes that he was influenced by my work.”
Dan Baldwin: The Pursuit Of Happiness, at RedHouse Originals Gallery, Cheltenham Mount, Harrogate, until August 31. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays by appointment on 01423 884400 or by email to info@redhouseoriginals.com. Website: www.redhouseoriginals.com.
Dan Baldwin: the back story, from RedHouse Originals Gallery
BORN in Manchester in 1972, Dan Baldwin studied at Eastbourne College of Art and Design and later at Kent Institute of Art and Design.
A painter, printmaker and ceramicist, Baldwin demonstrates an immediately recognisable style, blending abstract and figurative elements, reflecting both reality and the world of imagination.
His dynamic images shift thematically, from ruminations on love and memory to philosophy and politics.
Baldwin’s dynamic canvases incorporate multiple planes and perspectives, utilising a broad range of media. As well as traditional painting and mark-making, his images often incorporate 3D elements, gilding, glazes, diamond dust and collage.
Symbolism is key to Baldwin’s oeuvre: swallows, skeletons and religious iconography appear alongside children’s story-book illustrations, flowers and cartoon figures. Recurring motifs are prevalent, including Baldwin’s preoccupation with human existence and perseverance to reflect on life and love.
Baldwin exhibits internationally and collectors of his work include Damien Hirst, Sir Peter Blake and Gilbert and George.