John Squire New Work

John Squire will showcase a selection of new artwork at The Smithfield Gallery, London, from 4 – 28 July, 2007, followed by a show at the Dazed & Confused Gallery, in September, 2007.

In a clear departure from his earlier work, John Squire will present a new collection of paintings and mixed media works, created over the last three years, which represent a distinct maturity in the artist’s practise, developed away from the music industry spotlight.

Working with large-scale canvases, Squire’s new paintings are physically imposing. Often built up of layers of plaster, sand, glue and oil paint, which he cuts into, forming shallow pathways and trenches in the canvas, which are then marked with layers of colour. Abstract, sculptural, often cellular shapes move across the canvas, with areas of bold colour buried beneath paler, opaque layers, creating levels of movement and depth beyond the physical grooves carved into the image.

Renowned for paintings and sculptural works which have, since the late 1980s, frequented the covers of albums and singles belonging to the Stone Roses, The Seahorses, and his solo albums, John Squire here reveals a more thoughtful, mature selection of his current works, which reflect an individuality and confidence in his own creative output.

First known for his early, abstract canvases and homages to Jackson Pollock and 60s abstract expressionism in the late 80s and early 90s, Squire’s work has necessarily been informed by his dual experiences as a musician and member of the legendary Stone Roses, and his personal interests in twentieth century painting. His last solo album, ‘Marshall’s House’, was entirely inspired by and named after the works of American painter Edward Hopper.

His early artwork, which suddenly propelled into a high profile realm as a consequence of his musical successes, inspired a generation of young music fans to explore 20th century painting, and many of his paintings are already iconic images and much loved works with their own identity. However, John Squire’s career as a visual artist has always taken its own trajectory, developing independently from his musical celebrity, and his focused, consistent output now demands critical attention in its own right.