The Arts Club is currently holding an exhibition of paintings by American artist Reginald Sylvester II, a rising star in international contemporary art. ‘Feelin’ Blue’ sees a departure from Sylvester’s usual warmer palette in favour of cooler tones, inspired by Portishead's 1994 trip-hop album Dummy. The blue ground of the painting is reminiscent of the iconic album's cover, which features the band’s lead vocalist, Beth Gibbons.
Sylvester’s sensibility draws from his time as a graphic designer, a close knowledge of contemporary fashion, and his historical grounding in Abstract Expressionism. In a 2018 interview with Hypebeast, the artist commented on his work: “Part of being a great artist is being able to reflect the times you live in. When I’m going through something in life and feeling a certain way, it’s important for me to not just pass through that emotion and leave it but to drown myself in it and reflect that on the surface in some way,”
Reginald Sylvester II: Feelin’ Blue is on display at the Arts Club from until 15th May 2022 (Non members please email to arrange a viewing in advance) theartsclub.co.uk/
