I wanted to play with a lighter palette in this new body of work but use heavier visceral marks to create a contrast of emotions.
In this exhibition, Antony Micallef presents works that primarily explore the human form through a unique method of layering oil paint and beeswax.
The British artist is renowned for blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture. Manipulating oil paint as though it were a physical texture, Micallef uses dried oil strips to create a multi-layered structure, similar to a honeycomb.
These works showcase Micallef’s technical ingenuity as he manipulates the rich impasto to result in dynamic, morphing compositions.
The artist then adds more gestural strokes and paint splashes that contrast with the tranquil background beneath. Featuring pastel hues that pop off the darker tones, the paintings assume a dreamlike aura, capturing the essence of pure pigment.
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Overview
Immersing himself in his surroundings while simultaneously drawing from them, Micallef’s studio is similarly chaotic, acting as an extension of his paintings. Overflowing with natural light, colour and texture, the walls of his studio hold thousands of art supplies, hundreds of books and catalogues and photographs that the artist translates directly into his practice. When working, Micallef positions himself next to a full-size mirror, using the reflected image of himself for reference as well as his studio walls for inspiration.
John Virtue taught me years ago – he used to come into my studio and rip down all my imagery if I had photographs and told me to paint from life because it is easier to capture that visceral feeling, that sense of being rather than just having a flat photo where the light is dead.
Micallef observes that his influences “are constantly changing and evolving but painters I constantly look at are Van Gogh, Soutine and William de Kooning”. These influences are evident in his work, which places the medium at the forefront. Not aiming for representational accuracy or a distinctive narrative, these psychological portraits capture raw human emotion. By avoiding any prewritten storyline, Micallef allows the viewer the space to insert themselves into his creations, finding themselves in a breathtaking topography of form.
Antony Micallef
Head with Magenta and Cerulean 1
2022
48 cm x 40 cm
Framed: 70 cm x 64 cm x 13 cm
Antony Micallef
Head with Magenta and Cerulean 2
2022
48 cm x 40 cm
Framed: 70 cm x 64 cm x 13 cm
Antony Micallef
Head with Magenta and Cerulean 3
2022
48 cm x 40 cm
Framed: 70 cm x 64 cm x 13 cm
Antony Micallef
Head with Magenta and Cerulean 4
2022
48 cm x 40 cm
Framed: 70 cm x 64 cm x 13 cm
I find it fascinating that the agency of certain colours can work in contradiction with how they are laid down and portrayed. I’ve always found that space in between causing the conflict and friction fascinating and the question of why are we attracted to a piece or a certain painting?
About the Artist
Antony Micallef (b. 1975) is a British contemporary artist working in London. He was notably taught by the austere landscape painter John Virtue, who was taught by the postwar painter Frank Auerbach.
Micallef’s work features in publications around the world including Forbes, Time Out, Juxtapoz, The Times and FAD Magazine, among others. His work is held in the permanent collection of the London Design Museum. He has exhibited in group shows in prominent institutions such as The National Portrait Gallery, Royal Academy, Tate Britain and the ICA. More recently, Micallef’s work was showcased at Art Basel Hong Kong with Pearl Lam Gallery.
Chosen Charity
