Karnik Gallery is pleased to present Dual Acres, an exhibition of thirteen new works by Marcus Dove and Tim Fowler, opening from 24 June until 6 August 2021 at 12 Hay Hill in Mayfair, London. This exhibition of fertile, natural imagery, from potted plants to banana leaves, showcases the dialogue between two young painters on an artistic journey to explore themes such as creation, destruction and colonialism.
Marcus Dove and Tim Fowler, who last exhibited together in London in 2018, first met in Leicester. Their friendship developed while sharing a studio together in 2019. Through their parallel visual languages of colourful and dynamic botanical paintings, Dove and Fowler have developed into like-minded contemporary artists and great supporters of each other's work.
Dove presents a new group of eight paintings of potted plants and vegetation, created between 2020 and 2021, which expand on his fascination with pyrotechnics and exothermic materials. His Miró-esque depictions of domestic plants are comparable to elements seen in classical still lifes, but also exude bursts of energy where gunpowder has strategically been deployed. With his use of gunpowder, Dove applies his approach of 'creation via destruction' to the context of a plant's life cycle.
Fowler presents a vivid series of five large-scale flower paintings initiated in spring 2021. The artist's works focus on singular plant life subjects, rather than several elements in a room. In keeping with his distinct style and signature colour palette of bright, intense hues, Fowler has chosen to depict the abundant leaves of banana plants. The choice of this particular crop reflects the meditations upon colonialism and the slave trade found in Fowler's vibrant oeuvre.
The dialogue that transpires between Dove and Fowler through the paintings on view ultimately moves beyond the theme of plants and nature to raise questions of the modernisation of classical themes and motifs, the incorporation of unconventional techniques and a deep respect between two friends who are both on an artistic journey of discovery.
PRIVATE TOURS can be arranged by appointment. Please contact: info@karnikgallery.com.
