Cashel: Ed Bradley Art Presents an Exhibition of Original works “Absolute abstract”

Cashel: Ed Bradley Art Presents an Exhibition of Original works “Absolute abstract” – a return to childhood:

July 5th, 2010 · No Comments

“Absolute abstract”

- a return to childhood:

As a self taught artist, for the last 6 years Ed Bradley has been exploring ways of creating a unique visual experience.

The theme to this exhibition is an attempt to get to “absolute abstract” pictures.

“Absolute abstract” starts off with no reference in reality - and through the process of creation becomes something, which evolves and takes shape, creating some tenuous foothold in reality. In viewing abstract paintings we have to consult within ourselves and be totally dependant on our internal information: our feelings, intuition and imagination to understand what visual experience we see means to us personally. Providing this visual experience is his objective for this exhibition.

He enjoys painting a wide range of subjects, including some early works attempted to capture the power of a turbulent seas, using a minimalist pallet, while maximizing texture through the use of pallet knives and stippling. The cold of the Irish seas gives way to the warmth and radiance in colour of the “Africa” series of pictures.

In an attempt to create a totally free expression he has detached himself from conventional painting methods. Many of these paintings are created without the use of brushes. He hasenjoyed developing and using many differing painting techniques, to create a distinctive effect that is both dazzling in its complexity and stunning in its simplicity. Some of the techniques used take him back to innocent days of primary school art classes, where the first real joy of art was discovered through “playing” with paint.

This “play” and free experimentation with colour and form was when we were at our most free, invariably, this freedom only becomes bounded and corralled as we grow up and become “sensible”. Getting back to the age of innocence and discovery he has also broken with conventional rectangular canvases, to create a range of “sculptures in paint” in very shapeless shapes. Many of these pictures/ sculptures exhibit a remarkable depth and provide a unique life to the abstract forms which float effortlessly in its 3D boundary.

In our childhoods, colours were so bright. So to is it in my paintings.

Artist Statement

Born in Belfast in 1965, I grew up in the west of Ireland, and trained and worked as an engineer for many years before returning to my first love - art.

As a self taught artist, for the last 6 years I have been exploring ways of creating a unique visual experience. I have enjoyed developing and using many differing painting techniques, often without brushes, to create a distinctive effect that is dazzling in its complexity and stunning in its simplicity. I find the creative process exhilarating. The joy of crafting something unique and beautiful bestows the ultimate sense of fulfillment.

There is an unmistakable and unique physical depth in my work, both in the thickness of the applied paint and intriguing mounting of the work.

My objective is to continue to explore new techniques and create new pictures of varying topics, always pushing the limits of my own creativity.

Exhibition Record

Courtyard Gallery,

Midleton,

Co Cork,

Sept 2006

Cuan Saor,

Clonmel Rugby Club

Oct 2008

Art Ireland Spring show,

RDS Ballsbridge,