Gareth Price - Supernatural

In ‘Supernatural’, Gareth Price explores mysterious and enchanting narratives, looking at how individuals survive and deal with difficulty and trauma. Price’s work is heavily symbolic and draws upon the traditions of Magical Realism and Surrealism.

‘Magic Realism’ is a technique portraying everyday life in new and unfamiliar ways and often with a twist of the bizarre and unusual. While dreamlike and fantastical elements are added to the art, the subject matter always remains within the realm of the possible, differing it from surrealism.

Monarch butterflies and swirling galaxies glisten upon Price’s canvases, but the subject matter also focuses on domestic and everyday life, which is symbolised by the facade of distinctive architectural suburban dwellings.

The creatures and elements seem to float over or within the facade of a suburban home, creating a juxtaposition which has a dreamlike effect throughout his paintings. Building styles such as the bungalow, villa, and brick and tile from the 1970's are used and feel nostalgic yet grounded in reality, and which Price chooses to reference from having lived in some of them during his childhood.

"With my art I try to express the extraordinary within the ordinary," Gareth says.

Price's current body of work is concerned with how people adapt following traumatic life experiences. He makes reference to coping mechanisms through his use of geometrical symbolism. Price creates pieces to be hung in the home to invoke the protection of the occupants.

Superstition and symbolism can play a large part in the mind of anyone trying to get a sense of control and order in a progressively random and chaotic world. Objects such as the 'Evil Eye', the "Om' symbol, or dreamcatchers are placed in the home in the belief that they will afford protection.

These spiritual and superstitious ideas are also visually referenced through Price’s nod to religious iconography. Using pearls and metallics he isolates his imagery into selected areas on the canvas, and frames his pieces in a very ‘shrine-like’ way.

Please join us on Tuesday 25th June, 5:30-7:30pm for the opening of ‘Supernatural’.
The artist will be in attendance and will treat visitors to some live music.