Project Room: Wide Eyed Embers: Billy Bagilhole
Presenting Billy Bagilhole’s debut RHODES Project Room exhibition, ‘Wide Eyed Embers,’ a series of new works on canvas following his iconic characters through their dark, surreal world of symbolism and enigmatic narratives, blending vibrant colour with haunting imagery to explore themes of identity, memory, and the human condition.
Billy Bagilhole, born in 1994, is celebrated for his unique blend of traditional techniques and modern themes. His childhood on Welsh farms and in the forgotten Spanish settings of spaghetti westerns profoundly influenced his work, inspiring the cowboy imagery and animals frequently seen in his pieces. Bagilhole's artistic journey began in a household rich with his father's paintings and prints. From a young age, he drew Native Americans, animals, and religious figures, imitating his father's art. This early exposure, coupled with his father's passing when Bagilhole was six, left a lasting impact, driving his passion for creativity.
Bagilhole refined his skills at Chelsea College of Arts, enhancing his technical abilities and understanding of art's societal commentary. His works juxtapose colour with sinister imagery, leaving open questions and metaphors that invite endless interpretations. Bagilhole is drawn to painting for its ability to evoke the unknown and uncanny, fostering bewilderment. Recurring symbols like fish bones, dogs, bulls, and his character ‘Edwin’ hint at connections between seemingly disparate imagery. He views art as a medium for exploring human curiosity and wonder.
In ‘Wide Eyed Embers,’ we see several human characters like ‘Edwin’ repeated, their relationships to one another unclear. They stand in the desolate rural landscape of Bagilhole’s imagination. The intimacy of these characters contrasts with the darkness of their external world. In ‘Look through the pine barrens', we see a female figure gently holding a dog to her chest, walking away from the fires surrounding them. They are safe and contented. There is a tender hopefulness to the image.
These repeated motifs, which Bagilhole describes as ‘Easter eggs,’ encourage the viewer to look deeper at each piece. Each little detail has meaning; nothing is placed on the canvas without intent. For example, in this new series, we see a fire watchtower in the distance in several of the works, with a single lone figure in the window. Watchtowers of this kind are common in the rural forests of America, where watchmen stay alone for months at a time, watching and waiting to sound the alarm for any signs of wildfire. Who is this figure? Is he Bagilhole himself? Another repeated image is of cows, a link back to Bagilhole’s upbringing on the dairy farm. He explains that the cows are ‘home’ to him; even in the chaos, the image of the cow takes us back to the calm, idyllic simplicity of country life, adding layers of narrative and personal history to Bagilhole’s works.
Bagilhole’s debut RHODES Project Room exhibition, ‘Wide Eyed Embers,’ is a compelling exploration of the uncanny and the profound, inviting viewers to question and reflect. It is a testament to his ability to blend the personal with the universal, creating art that resonates on multiple levels. As we delve into his surreal world, we are reminded of the power of art to evoke curiosity, wonder, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
For more information or to register your interest, please email info@rhodescontemporaryart.com
