Forged Paint: Carefully Crafted

Hill’s work will take over the entire gallery space at Gallery 414 in a solo show Titled “Forged Paint: Carefully Crafted” which alludes to the definition of the word “Forged” as a way to create work through intense focus or great effort.  On exhibit will be recent paintings that point to a new direction in the use of color as a result of his recent studio research and visits to New York City.

Hill has described himself as an abstract painter firmly rooted within the neo-modernist movement and influenced by the universal processes involved in designing and building manmade structures across the natural and urban landscapes.  His work is defined by both sharp and soft lines that extend from edge to edge on the canvas resulting in a language of mark making that symbolically alludes to man’s interaction with his environment in both historical and contemporary contexts.

The artist has acknowledged his roots in abstract hardedge painting particularly in the work of various contemporary working artists such Carmen Herrera, Carrie Moyer, Cecil Touchon and Caio Fonseca. Another influence is within the Manifesto of Canadian artist Andre Durand who writes that, “The Neo-Modern Manifesto sets out a programme for a revitalized approach to art founded on art history, discipline, and philosophy. Neo-Modernism sees art as an expression of the most sublime spiritual principles and interpretations of the universe and man’s existence, in line with the belief that the reality we live in is but a mirror of a deeper one that can only be reached through inspiration and imagination.”