RHODES is thrilled to announce the unveiling of a new series of original works on canvas by Scottish contemporary painter, Stewart Swan. Following the success of his debut solo exhibition 'Square Go' in February, Swan returns with a captivating collection of anamorphic works, drawing viewers once again into his darkly humorous universe.
In this latest series of original oil paintings on canvas, Stewart Swan continues to explore the essence of everyday faces, delving into the nuances of narrative suggestion and the profound impact of body language and human expression. His anamorphic characters exude a playful and inviting aura, almost as if they're sharing an inside joke with the viewer.
From humans to beasts, Swan's paintings encapsulate the effects of their harsh and unforgiving surroundings, blending dark yet often humorous demeanours into each portrayal. As a Glasgow-based visual artist and designer, Swan's body of work captures this atmosphere and reflects the essence of Scottish life with a melancholic touch.
Drawing inspiration from the surreal and grotesque, Swan's canvases are imbued with rich and evocative colours that serve as windows into the psyches of his subjects. Each painting is a psychological exploration, reminiscent of characters from literary works, where inner thoughts manifest through physical appearance.
Swan's work resonates with viewers on a deep level, evoking a familiarity with his characters that reminds us of encounters in pubs and smoking areas. Additionally, in creating his world of recognisable yet imagined figures, each canvas hosts an anthropomorphised animal that possesses a strange, human-like quality.
Realistic yet grounded, Swan's art invites viewers to delve into his tongue-in-cheek perspective, urging them to uncover the hidden facets of human nature often concealed throughout a lifetime. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, Swan simultaneously evokes a sense of nostalgia alongside the darkness of his distorted characters.
A graduate of Edinburgh College of Art in 2005, Stewart Swan has since honed his craft across various media and techniques, from drawing and painting to illustration, graphic design, and digital imaging. Over the past decade, Swan has evolved into both a commercial painter and a skilled communicator through art, earning recognition through group shows and his debut solo show here at RHODES.
RHODES invites art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Stewart Swan's latest series, promising an unforgettable journey into the depths of human expression and emotion.
View Stewart Swan’s new works here.
Or for more information, please email info@rhodescontemporaryart.com
