» John Simpson Madame Geisha exhibition
Laura Hayward looks at John Simpson’s first solo show in nearly two years, at Madame Geisha in Brighton
John Simpson’s first solo show launches in nearly two years from Thursday 25 November, where Brighton’s Geisha Arts will be playing host to his new exhibition Anthromorph in Brighton. The exhibit features brand new works as well as some of his best-loved pieces. John has recently had sell-out shows in London, New York and São Paulo alongside artists such as Warhol, Hockney and Dalí.
The opening night on Thursday will see the outside of Madame Geisha become a piece of art in its own right, where John will cover it with his own repeated images, British Sea Power (DJ set) will also be making a guest appearance, and there will be free drink and a signed poster for the first 50 guests through the door.
Exploring the relationship between humans and animals, vividly capturing a moment in the midst of action, the viewer is invited to use their own imagination to interpret the scenario, seemingly caught somewhere between childhood fantasy and adult reasoning. Dark and evocative, John’s skill at drawing and printmaking is unique and compellingly beautiful.
Commenting on John’s work, Geisha Arts’ creative director Zac Walsh says: “We’ve been wanting to do a show with John for some time, he’s one of Brighton’s biggest talents – a superb draftsman, who uses the traditional sensibilities of myth and fairytales as a conduit for his own exceptional contemporary style.”
“I don’t wish to Anthropomorphise these creatures but rather to reflect on man’s position within nature,” says John of his work.
Anthromorph runs from Thursday 25 November–25 December 2010, upstairs at Madame Geisha, East Street, Brighton
