In May 2022, Art for Guernsey supported abstract colourist and figurative artist Patrick Earle to co-curate an exciting new exhibition in the David Ferguson Hall at Beau Sejour.
The show offered unique insight into Patrick’s exploration of colour and light in his bold and exciting works, opening our eyes as to how we process and experience what we see. Patrick Earle, who lives in Guernsey, seeks to explore the profound joy and beauty in the visual experience through his art. “Our minds seek to label and categorise the things that we see so that we can process them. In doing so we lose the immediacy of what is in front of us: contrasts in light and shade, energy, and colours and their vibrancy. Colour has a special place in our hearts and souls – there is more to be experienced and relished,” said Patrick.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Patrick attended the University of Cambridge and trained at Heatherley’s School of Art and West Dean College. Inspired by artists such as Diebenkorn, Monet and Bomberg, he started out as a figurative painter, but in recent years has increasingly embraced abstract colour-based compositions, moving from painting most of his work in oils to creating them digitally. For his original artworks, Patrick combines his digitally produced artworks on canvas with applied acrylic paint. He also collaborates with Hines of Oxford to create one-off, hand-knotted tapestries from his digital works. The tapestries are made from New Zealand wool and Chinese silk, the largest comprising up to 2 million individual knots in the traditional Aubusson method.
“The bold and intensely colourful abstract works that Patrick creates demand further enquiry. Some instantly provide a connection for the viewer, others invite exploration that reveals layers that may not be immediately apparent. The immediate impact and richness of the paintings evolved into something more profound as I spent more time with them. Patrick’s suggestion is to take a moment to sit and let the work unfold, much the same as taking in a favourite view in nature. With time the layers and details become clearer and more intimately understood.
“With the curation of this exhibition, we have sought to provide relevant space for shared and intimate experiences for every viewer, awash with colour and with all the usual supporting information and digital content.”
JOCK PETTITT
Director, Art for Guernsey
EVERYDAY COLOUR CONCERT
Art For Guernsey and Patrick Earle, in association with Hanois Baroque, hosted a special concert to raise funds for the Guernsey Music Bursary and Art for Guernsey.
Hanois Baroque were thrilled to welcome Professor Adrian Butterfield (historical violin) and Professor Rachel Brown (historical flute) of the Royal College of Music. Adrian and
Rachel were joined by the core members of Hanois Baroque: Max Wong, FRSM and Francois Cloete, FRCO.
The programme included a number of well-known works as well as some lesser known works to discover. Vivaldi’s double-violin La Follia is as electrifying as J. S. Bach’s Flute Sonata BWV 1034 is artful and sophisticated. Bach’s Fourth Partita BWV 828 showcases the magnificent double-manual harpsichord of the Guernsey Harpsichord Trust. Lesser known works included a violin sonata in Jean-Marie Leclair’s Troisième Livre, as well as a violin sonata by J. H. Schmelzer (1664) which received immense critical acclaim at St James in 2020. The programme was rounded off by some unmissable classics: an authentic version of Pachelbel’s Canon and a wistful arrangement of Handel’s Verdi Prati from Alcina, HWV 34
ENRICHING OUR ISLAND
OUR LEGACY
We have been working in the Bailiwick since 2016, bringing art exhibitions, events and creative activities of the highest standards of delivery and engagement to the community, from early education to care homes and everyone in between. We have reached not just our own community but far beyond our shores too. We always strive to inspire our community, innovate in our delivery, reach significant audiences and support future generations, combining creativity with impact.
