Artist Peter Joseph Reimagines the English Countryside in New Show at Lisson Gallery

In this new video, the artist talks about his methodical painting practice, and the rural landscape that inspires his new work.

British painter Peter Joseph will present his most recent artwork at Lisson Gallery in New York this summer. In a new video, embedded above, he speaks about the sources of his inspiration, and how the lush hills and valleys of the Cotswolds around the artist’s home in Gloucestershire, England, are translated into abstract colors and shapes in his recent work.

Joseph began his career in advertising, and is the longest-standing artist represented by Lisson—he first showed at the London outpost in 1967. To celebrate a nearly 50-year relationship that has included 16 London-based exhibits, the artist is making his New York debut at the gallery’s Chelsea location.

Interior of Joseph’s studio. © Peter Joseph; Courtesy Lisson Gallery Photo by Jack Helms.

In this presentation of all-new works, the 88-year old painter is embracing a slower, more contemplative process that results in diaphanous color fields layered atop one another like collages.

Joseph creates preliminary “sketches,” using colored paper and fabric until he finds an appealing spatial composition. He uses that template as a guide for painting thin layers onto canvas, methodically recreating the exact desired effects of light and shape. For his New York debut, both the “sketches” and the final works will be presented to highlight Joseph’s unique mode of application.

Peter Joseph” will be on display June 23–August 11, 2017. Opening reception: Thursday, June 22, 6–8 p.m. Lisson Gallery is located at 504 West 24th Street. 


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