An Opening Reception will be held this Friday between 6 and 8 pm, in the Dutch Barns [outside but under cover], when Millie Gleeson will be available to chat with about her work in a socially distanced manner. Access to the show will be available in groups, with refreshments available.
The First Prize winner of our 2019 Summer Open GO FIGURE; Millie now takes up that prize with a major solo show documenting the evolution of her practice until now, including works produced during two South American residencies.
Based in Somerset, her works are vibrant and dominated by a strong female form. Some of my paintings are from photos of herself, whilst others she makes up to act out different characters and emotions. This includes creating costumes, make up and settings; a practice for which her previous fashion school training comes in extremely useful. She says:
“I like to keep a theatrical element throughout my work by making images with a strong presence. At the moment I paint with acrylic, spray paint, button polish and anything else I can get my hands on, as I will continue to explore different materials and methods.”
Millie always paints outdoors, allowing a freedom of movement that would be constrained by the enclosed space of a studio.