Andre studied Fine Art and History of Art.
Andre is an internationally awarded
art director, graphic designer,
illustrator, photographer
and internationally exhibited fine artist.
His work is held in private and
corporate collections around the world.
His work ships from the United Kingdom.
I find myself becoming more and more interested and influenced by new abstract expressionism - more controlled.
I like the idea of ‘controlled abstract expressionism’. or ‘geometrical abstraction’.
After all, abstract expressionism was born out of Purism, The Bauhaus, De Stijl, Minimalism, Colourfield and Constructivism.
Something that ‘connects spirituality with science and art.’ - (Wikipedia)
Is this really evident in the work of the ’New York School’ of the 50’s and 60’s - Not really.
I am for an abstract art expression that is based on mathematical, ’considered’ or ‘per-planned’ thinking and principles.
(Max Bill addressed this ages ago.)
I am for an art that ‘addresses' the inherently two-dimensional plane as well as the canvas functioning as its support.
The work should extend visually beyond the boundaries of the support itself.
Well, that’s the principle anyway - things don’t always work out as planned. I suppose it’s the human in us that wants to 'break free'.
It's that 'primal scream' at the back of your mind that fights anything too structured or mechanical. (Down with artificial intelligence) :)
I am for an abstract art expression that is a language between the artist and the observer - NOT a private, coded, callous, and, often indecipherable, language between artist and artist and art critic.
STRUCTURE, SYMMETRY and REPETITION are all excellent design elements that have always worked well for me in the past - along with all the other sound design and composition principles.
The Abstract Expressionists were fighting a long, hard battle with colour, texture and composition. They were trying to find the best solutions to structure, colour (Eng.) and composition of abstract elements (even Mr. Pollock) - no matter how random. Mostly a mess. Sometimes genius.
The application of paint was haphazard and unpredictable - resulting in a composition that was out of the control of the artist. It was removed from the initial intention of the artist. I understand why - someone had to do it. It might have seemed like a good idea at the time.
For the past 41 years I have endured the same suffering, pain and frustration. I have decided to consolidate and rethink the process of structure, revisiting the position and composition of shapes, use of colours and textures in a more methodical way which will allow me more freedom to find a more precise solution.
Victor Pasmore was definitely starting to do this - Robert Motherwell not so much and Wassily Kandinsky - the master. Frank Stella - a demi-god.
A thought: - Artists spend 80% of their lives honing their skills and experimenting. They then go on to spend the last 20% of their lives finding their one true style… (or wishing they had taken up plumbing instead).
Why do we insist on artists having only one technique and style?
I personally like lots of styles. That’s what makes us human and truly creative.
"Glory be to God for dappled things" – Gerard Manley Hopkins.
After all – variety is the SPICE of life – why be boring.
1978
Paintings and drawings
Gertrude Posal Art Gallery, Johannesburg.
1979
Paintings
Gertrude Posal Art Gallery, Johannesburg.
1980
Paintings & sculpture
Gertrude Posal Art Gallery, Johannesburg.
1986
Abstract birds exhibition
Young & Rubicam Cape Town, South Africa.
1989
Solo exhibition
Paintings and Photography
Gatehouse Gallery, Johannesburg.
1990
Solo exhibition
Paintings and Drawings
Gatehouse Gallery, Johannesburg.
1994
Solo exhibition
Paintings and Drawings
Gatehouse Gallery, Johannesburg.
2001
Group Exhibition
Southside Contemporary Gallery
Leatherhead, Surrey, UK.
2000
Group Exhibition
The Beacon Summer Art Exhibition
Guildford, Surrey, UK.
2002
Group Exhibition
The Gallery, Leatherhead, Surrey, UK.
2002
Group Exhibition
Church Street Gallery, Cobham, Surrey, UK.
2002
Solo Exhibition
Winn Hall, Dunsfold, Surrey, UK.
2002
Group Exhibition
KD Fine Art Gallery, Compton, Surrey, UK.
2006
Group Exhibition
Sebisa Gallery, Parkhurst, Jhb, South Africa.
August 2018
Solo exhibition of abstract landscapes
The Heath Room Gallery, Petersfield, Hampshire, UK.
June 2019
Open studio solo exhibition of abstract Landscapes
Southwick, Fareham, United Kingdom
D-Day 75th Anniversary celebrations
August 2019
Open studio exhibition of abstract Landscapes, miniatures and painted hands and figures.
Southwick, Fareham, United Kingdom
•
September 2019
Group art exhibition.
Denmead, Hampshire, United Kingdom
•
11th and 12th June 2022
Solo exhibition of abstract Landscapes and Flowers
Southwick Revival – Spirit of D-Day
Southwick, Fareham, United Kingdom
•
September 2022
Group art exhibition.
Denmead, Hampshire, United Kingdom
•
June 2023
Solo exhibition of abstract Landscapes and Flowers
Southwick Revival – Spirit of D-Day
Southwick, Fareham, United Kingdom
•
September 2024
Group art exhibition.
Denmead, Hampshire, United Kingdom
•
June 2025
Group exhibition of abstract Landscapes and Flowers
Southwick Revival – Spirit of D-Day
Southwick, Fareham, United Kingdom
time art space now
e&oe