Landscape; Rural vs Urban

Metin Salih

‘POWER. PASSION. PAIN’

10th -14th June

Preview night: 12^th June

The Brick Lane Gallery

196 Brick Lane, E1 6SA

The Brick Lane Gallery is pleased to present an exceptional solo show by Metin Salih devoted entirely to portraiture and where the exhibition evolve as a journey through the artist’s stylistic shifts and changes over the years.

The exhibition brings together a series of highly expressive, gestural and seductive depictions of the artist’s subjects. Metin’s illustration-based background is reflected in the hyper-real and graphic nature of the work. The accuracy and sophistication of his images is bolstered by a clear passion for painting beautiful women. The relationship between artist and sitter is one of ease and trust, resulting in a sense of individuality and character that shine through these beautifully alluring portraits.

Influenced and inspired by masters such as Sargeant, Reynolds, Varga, Robert McGinnis and Robert G Harris, Metin’s boldly painted portraits are created from a truly unique colour palette merged with an experimental approach to this traditional genre. Although mainly using oil paint, the artist also applies various materials and techniques to his surfaces, from old brushes and rusty nails to airbrush and cement. He sees beauty and uniqueness in these newfound textures and colours that are born from the use of these unconventional elements. This adventurous and exploratory spirit is evocative of his colourful upbringing in London’s eastend in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Having graduated with a first class honours degree from Maidstone College of Art specialising in Illustration, Metin has expressed himself through painting, illustration, animation, and has designed a wide range of products for a number of clients and agencies worldwide. From a recent commission to paint the portrait of the ruler of Dubai as well as that of sixteen thoroughbred racehorses for a permanent exhibition in Abu Dhabi to illustrating children's books and mini animation movies, Metin’s artistic freedom reaches across various mediums and techniques and yet are unified by the pure joy of ‘art-making’. Metin says that “he hopes his art reflects and captures a feeling hidden in everyone's eyes, and heart; sometimes as a result they will be free to express it.”

For more information please contact Lucy Fiddian-Green or Marcela Perez

E: info@thebricklanegallery.com

T: 0207 729 9721