unskilledworker

“James” A little picture made for the exhibition at @flowersgallery “Small is Beautiful” The exhibition is still up and it’s really worth popping in to see so many gorgeous little works from many wonderful artists ❤️

Im so happy that a few of the boys are hanging out at @newartdealers with @storage.archive in Miami, if you’re around, go and say hello! Thanks to @storage.archive for taking them on a journey❤️ Booth E- 106

Helen Downie (b. 1965) is a self-taught London-based artist, best known for her idiosyncratic works. At NADA, Storage presents Downie’s series of works known as “Boys”. At times solemn and uncanny, these works mark a transition back to single figures, renewing the stillness and loose line of the artist’s early work.  Pulling from traditions of surrealism and Dutch portraiture, Downie challenges what it means to produce likeness. “Boys” are a secular set of altarpieces depicting a gendered group of figures. Some are bruised, doe-eyed, or dressed in ubiquitous modern clothing that points to a blue collar colloquialism. Others wear sport coats and neck ties, presenting a glimpse into class stratification that questions the artist’s own position as a self-taught woman artist. Downie states, “The common denominator is surely me. I’m not certain it’s possible to paint a face and leave myself behind. In a way they connect to my story.” Downie’s paintings have appeared in many publications, including Artnet, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Dazed, Harper’s Bazaar and i-D. and have been exhibited at galleries across the world including London, Hong Kong, New York, Seoul, Madrid, Tokyo and Shanghai. In 2017 Downie collaborated on an international campaign with Gucci. Her practice transcends cultural norms and trajectory.  #52walker #artgallery #storagearchive #storageartgallery #contemporaryart #galleryexhibition #nycgallery #tribeca #tribecaartgallery #fineart #nyc

“Noah” a little picture made for “Small is Beautiful” at @flowersgallery ❤️I love making these little works, I make them on my lap, it feels so intimate and very different from the monster never ending flower painting I’ve been revisiting. Anyway, if you’re in London, go and see the exhibition of little works, they all have that same intimacy.

“Boy Looking Back at Oscar” One of the two little pictures I’ve made for “The Small is Beautiful” exhibition opening on 21st November at @flowersgallery 6pm to 8pm. So many wonderful artists are taking part, I really do love this exhibition, there’s something so intimate about little works. All are welcome to come along❤️

“Andrea” It’s been the oddest of weeks, the outsides came crashing in, very rarely do so many people feel such similar emotions at the same time. Let’s keep swimming 🐟🐠🐟🐠

Thank you @nealpaintingnow and @twocoatsofpaint for your lovely words. “Unskilled Worker: When You’re a Boy” is live on Two Coats of Paint. ...”With deep, rich colors the portraits radiate a warm glow, each subject is suffused with a stained-glass brilliance and idealized in an almost spiritual aura.”

“Lawrence Cowan” Time flys by, there is one more week to see “When You’re a boy” @danielcooneyfineartinc

My Dad at 91! ❤️He probably won’t like me telling you, it’s too impressive not to! Happy Birthday Dad, you’re amazing! ❤️

“Boy Overwhelmed by Marina” @danielcooneyfineartinc as part of my exhibition “When You’re a Boy” until 26th October ❤️

“Doxx” I met Doxx at Holborn tube station. I’ve always found the London tube a wealth of inspiration, there’s a strange etiquette, the correct behaviour lines are very narrow. Most people now are locked into their phones, making no eye contact easier, it’s also easier to observe. If you’re from London you’ll know what I mean. @danielcooneyfineartinc