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DIBBS talks to Adam Neate about his New Show called Dimensionalist Painter which is currently on from the 2nd October to the 31st October at ELMS LESTERS PAINTING ROOMS
1-3-5 Flitcroft Street
London
WC2H 8DH

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Dibbs attended Adam Neates new show named Dimensionist Painter at the Elms Lesters Painting rooms on Saturday 03/10/2015. Adam Neate is one of britains most loved and respected Figurative artists, who is lauded by critics and has collectors and celebrities fighting for his original works. In 2008 Adam hit the Urban art scene by leaving thousands of pieces of his work on the street to collect using mediums of cardboard. Here he experimented with form, technique and colour and quite distinct imagery. Over the years he has made that urban transition from street to gallery, and developed his own style of Dimentional language with his work. His techniques have been compared to cubism and colour elements of fauvism.

On speaking to Paul the shows curator he maintains “Adam has done all the isms” Indeed on looking at any of Adams work the viewer is draw in to this dimensional world, which changes as the vantage point does. His work invites you to take in every part of the composition, whilst simultaneously altering the perception, through movement and space.

The subject matter in Adams work is everyday, cultural and recognizable to anyone. Although its could be argued there is a symbolic and dark element to this everyday depiction of life.

This new show broadens his Dimensionalist style and view of the everyday. Dibbs was intrigued by a piece that took his eye which shows a three dimensional figure doing the ironing. There was also a seemingly truculent elderly male on a motor scooter called “Shopping”. Each of these pieces were beautifully crafted and worked perfectly in texture and shape. Like any Adam Neate show you are left with a sense of how much hard work has gone into the exhibition. The show is highly recommended. Adam Neate pieces have to be seen in person as a photo will never do this amazing work justice.

Today Adam was present for signing posters and books and was very accommodating and happy to chat to people. Dibbs managed to get an interview with Adam who was happy to answer questions for us.

DAB: In a recent video we’ve seen you cruising round Beijing on a Skateboard, and doing a fantastic street piece on the pavement. Was there a particular reason for this and do you see yourself doing more street pieces?

AN: I've long since been a fan of Dishu (Caligraphy brush painting on the street) I remember when I first saw it years ago on TV it struck me as interesting as I couldn't understand why the people were painting on the floor, only for it to disappear a few moments later. It was only years later from being a street artist and leaving thousands of paintings on the streets, that I understood the feeling. The feeling of what you are creating is so ephemeral that you no longer focus on the finished creative product, but you begin to focus on the nowness feeling of being creative.

DAB: I’m sure people are constantly comparing your work to Bacon and Piacasso’s Cubism and even David Hockney. I’m sure this is very flattering but are you still finding your own voice or has the voice been found and you are constantly adapting it? Do you see yourself as a fixed Fugurative artist or do you not define yourself in that way?

AN: I would try my best not to define myself that way. In my dream world an artist should change their style and re-invent themselves at least ONCE a year, just in honor of whoever your Muse maybe.

DAB: Every show seems to have something completely different yet there is also something familiar, that is reassuringly comforting for fans of your work. On viewing the portraits from many directions they can appear unnerving yet beautiful. Indeed the dimensional wooden pieces depicting prosaic events such as the shopping piece, feeding and ironing seem to have a dark side as well. Is this new show about blending sinister elements with the commonplace?

AN: I'm a great fan of using symbolism in paintings. I see symbolism in everyday life so I enjoy getting the chance to use it when I can. The National Gallery in London is a great place for symbolism.

DAB: As an artist who is respected throughout the world; does each new show bring with it an internal personal battle to evolve your craft? How do the ideas and themes evolve?

AN: Constant turmoil is the main ingredient. If the work's coming too easy then it's probably not worth doing, if it's feeling like your'e repeating yourself with an idea or style then you are not being creative.

DAB: Over the years you have worked in a number of different mediums. We’ve seen wood, perspex, carboard and your last show there were a number of lenticulars. These obviously give the viewer a dimentional perspective from a number of angles. Do you think you will continue to develop your 3D perspectives in your future work?

AN: I would love to start programing in Oculus Rift. I would have no idea what to make, but that would be the fun part of it!

DAB: Do you ever miss your work when it becomes the property of some one else?

AN: No, but it is kind of nice to bump into my paintings years later when I'm visiting some on

DAB: Will Paul and Fiona give you some time off to take a nice long holiday after the show and sip sangria by the beach?


AN: Yes! Paul said I could :)



Thanks very much to Adam Neate and Paul and Fiona at Elms Lesters Painting rooms.

For more information about the show Click Here