David Willis is a British born contemporary painter.
He uses an array of physical methods of paint application in order to create a surface dynamism that resonates across the painting. Utilising colour theory, in combination with the intensity of mark making; elements of the piece are pushed towards the viewer. The effect of which creates the illusion of pictorial depth, the viewer is drawn into the image and asked to explore the inner landscape.
This key of creating a physical space through using an abstract painterly language is the objective the artist battles to achieve throughout.
The paintings have no set formula to their creation. During their making, a dialogue is formed with the painting; the back-and-forth with the artist informs the development of the composition. The end goal being to find the solution to resolve the image, where nothing more can be further added or removed.
Inspired by Exotica music, and pulsing with movement, Willis’ work demands engagement.
Exhibitions (selected)
2019 - 'Jungle' at Galerie Got Montréal
2018 - Represented by Galerie Got, Montréal
2018 - Featured in 1340 Art Magazine, Q2
2017 - 'Group show' at Galerie D'Este, Montréal
2017 - 'Papier +' group show at Galerie D'Este, Montréal
2016 - Winter group show at Galerie Blanche, Montréal
2016 - 'Exotica' at Galerie Blanche, Montréal
2016 - Line & Pattern collection exhibited at Art Victoria Park, Montréal
2016 - Featured in Fresh Paint Magazine, curated by Alice Herrick
2015 - 'David Willis Vernissage' at ADHOC Architectes, Montréal
2015 - 'SalonEsque' at MAI, Montréal
2014 - Digital Space collection exhibited at Galerie Saint Dizier, Montréal, Canada
2013 - 'Showcase Cities' at RICHMIX, London
2013 - 'Cites: All Dimensions' at Tokarska gallery, London
2012 - 'Blackhorse Studio Summer Exhibition' at Blackhorse Studio, London
2012 - 'CLASH - INTERNATIONAL' two-person show at Viking gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria
2012 - 'Look Up, Twist, Look Down, Look Down' solo show at Palatine gallery, London
2011 - '10 Gales Prize 2011’ at 10 Gales gallery, London
2011 - 'Binary Membrane' collaborative solo show at Studio 1.1, London
2011 - 'For The Arts Sake' at 10 Gales gallery, London
2010 - 'Blackhorse Studio Presents' at Blackhorse Studio, London
2009 - ‘GRIMIS’ two-person show at Stanley Picker gallery, London, UK
Education
2009 BA (Hons), Fine Art, Kingston University, London
2006 Art Foundation (Painting), Bath College, Bath