‘New York Thoughts’ – Fabian Peake

The New Year starts at the Castlefield Gallery with an exhibition of recent work by Fabian Peake, entitled “New York Thoughts”, which runs from the 10th January – 16th February 1986.

These brightly and imaginatively coloured paintings and gouaches were inspired by the artist’s recent visit to the States. The well-known landmarks the Empire State and Chrysler buildings appear throughout the series, alongside images which have been painted by Fabian Peake for some time, the large ties in particular. A profile helmet-head shape is used to convey his sense of isolation in the midst of the bustle of the city. Jazz is another important theme, referring to New York and to the painter’s own interests. Large saxophones are depicted as emphatic flat forms, and vibrant jagged shapes, containing expressive brush strokes evoke the sounds and rhythms. Fabian Peake explores his subject matter by continually reworking, changing and reducing it. Rapidly the images are no longer recognisable as buildings, instruments or figures but become impressive formal shapes.

Fabian Peake studied at the Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art between 1958 and 1966. His work has been extensively exhibited in-group and one man shows, and is represented in public and private collections in Europe and America. He is currently a senior lecturer in painting at Manchester Polytechnic.

Accompanying the exhibition will be an exciting programme of events:

28th January 1986: Meet the artist – Fabian Peake will give a talk about his work in the exhibition.

Date to be announced: The poetry of Wallace Stevens: there will be a talk with readings from his poems which deeply interest Fabian Peake and have a broad influence upon his work and ideas.

15th – 19th January 1986: Video German Expressionist Painters 2 – Kurt Schwitters

6th – 9th February 1986: Video R B Kitaj

Date to be announced: Jazz in the afternoon: A local jazz band will give a performance in the gallery on a Saturday afternoon in January.

Children’s Saturday Morning Art Workshops will continue throughout 1986, generously sponsored by E.J Arnold Ltd.

The private view of “New Paintings, New York Thoughts” will be held on the 9th January1986. Come along meet the artist. In keeping with the American theme of the show, Budweiser Beers will provide the liquid refreshments.

For further details contact Shelia Seal or Emma Anderson at the Castlefield Gallery.