The most important thing I discovered was to try and use my subconscious as much as possible when trying to create work that is closest to the purity of myself. By this, I mean work that is purely from within myself, and where there are no conscious decisions.
Alfie Rouy adopts forms from the natural world to materialise the flow of versatile, fluid-like energies that exist within our shared field of existence.
His free-flowing forms and richly embellished compositions express elements of polarity and unity through figurative imagery. Rouy’s works depict a vision of dreamlike divinity and a surreal reality accompanied by warm, hazy colours which aim to transpose feelings of peace, love, wisdom and unity upon the viewer.
Overview
Rouy’s influences range from historical events and civilisations to alchemy, hermetic symbolism and esoteric beliefs, ultimately offering a romanticised view of the mystery of The Dark Ages combined with ancient Eastern and Western philosophies. Each painting takes its starting point from nature and its repetitive forms. From there, Rouy formulates his own kind of flow in the way the lines move, which, when combined with the natural patterns, juxtapose the rigidity and sharpness of the figures who occupy this space.
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Alfie Rouy
The Answer Being the Same as Before
2021
100 x 120 cm
Alfie Rouy
You People Who Understand Please Hold Out A Helping Hand
2021
38 x 40 cm
Alfie Rouy
The Moment a Laughing Salamander Caught Eye of a Flying Ostrich
2021
130 x 100 cm
Alfie Rouy
Once Un-enlightened Shadows Have Passed
2021
180 x 150 cm
Alfie Rouy
Antenna/Transmitter/Catching Vibrations II
2020
70 x 50 cm
Alfie Rouy
Appears Before the Moment has Occurred
2021
140 x 130 cm
Throughout his work and process, Rouy attempts to move closer and closer to the evolution of the soul – a common theme throughout the myriad of philosophical texts he uses as reference points.
Rouy combines such references in a kind of synaesthesia, which is especially apparent in the initial stages of creation. From this, he creates his own visual narrative and symbolism, which requires deciphering by the viewer. The varying narratives communicate the evolution of oneself and are applied to things that aren’t necessarily human to connect with an element of mysticism and surrealism. Thus, the work becomes a celebration of the reflective properties of meditation, spiritualism and the subconscious.
About the Artist
Alfie Rouy was born in Sittingbourne, and is based in London, UK. He received his BA in Fine Art at University of the Arts London, Camberwell in 2021.
Recent selected exhibitions include Tree and Leaf, Hannah Barry Gallery, London (2021); Hopscotch, Safehouse One, London (2021); and Caught in the Cave, Kupfer Projects 213, London (2021). The artist has been featured in publications such as Another Magazine and completed a residency at The Changing Room Gallery earlier this year.
Chosen Charity
Chosen Charity
Young Minds, UK
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health, ensuring that every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.