Cartoon Sky

Review: Paul Nash Exhibition

The Dulwich Picture Gallery (7 Gallery Rd. London, SE21 7AD) is holding an exhibition of the works of surrealist artist Paul Nash until May 9. The theme for the surrealist painter is “The Elements”, Nash’s work will be displayed to highlight the use of fire, water, wind, and earth to create a unique display.

The first room of this exhibition offers some of Paul Nash’s best works, which may have been a bad decision, since it takes away from the remaining rooms. However, fans of the artist will be pleased with the entire exhibit, but mostly they will be overjoyed with the first room. In true surrealism fashion, there is a great juxtaposition of the interior and the exterior, showing the walls as forests, the ceiling as the sky, and the sea is the floor. These were based on the artist’s view from a mirror, where he would see a disjointed landscape.

Amongst his work on display in the first room are Nash’s 1940 piece “Bomber in the Corn” as well as the 1918 canvas “We are Making a New World”. The display is intended to combine the artist’s use of “Elements in Conflict”.

Nash’s art is highly anthropomorphic (hills are obvious breasts, and standing stones represent the male phallus, for example) this exhibit shows the artist’s ability to bring life to his canvas, much in the same way as Van Gogh did.

His work has left many who have seen it waiting impatiently for his next exhibition. Some will surely be seeking him out for private pieces.

You can visit the exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery on May 9, between 10am and 5pm from Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11am to 5pm from Saturdays until Mondays, as well as bank holidays. If driving is a problem, West Dulwich rail will get you there easily.

Quick Update: I just got off the phone with Catherine who is officially employeed as a designer for a Packaging Solutions business!