Art: Brighton arty

I’ve always wondered what self-obsessed narcissists would want a portrait of themselves hanging on their wall – until I was given the opportunity to be immortalised by Brighton artist Ian Paterson. Ian is one of the uniquely talented local creatives I’ve been privileged to meet since launching the ‘Brighton’s Arty’ series of magazines, directories, books … and whatever other enterprises myself and my husband/designer Torben dream up, after way too many glasses of Rioja at The Eagle on Gloucester Road.

I thought Ian would make the perfect subject for this first Arty column, because he embodies everything that’s brilliant about the Brighton art scene. His skills confound expectation (his technique is so precise – working from the background forwards, masking off layer by layer, and spending hours blending – that many people dismiss his work as being airbrushed or digital). He’s a passionate obsessive, fixed by skulls and ‘bone heads’ like myself. And he’s just that little bit quirky, preferring to work through the night in his studio at the bottom of his garden.

I’ll be using this space to shine the spotlight on other amazing local artists that we’ve come across (and have yet to meet). And also to ensure that you don’t miss out on the best arty events around.

So on that note, it’s your last chance to see Richard Denne’s exhibition at the Redroaster café, Kemptown. The venue is a brilliant artspace, and Richard’s collages are infused with wit as he challenges viewers to re-examine images – such as dancing sailors from vintage postcards – out of context. The exhibition ends on 31 August.

Out of town, there are two more weekends of Lewes Artwave to be enjoyed. Chalk Gallery and Hop Gallery are must-visits. We’d also recommend Jessica Zoob at the Holly House, and Mark Glassman at Driftwood in Bishopstone.
www.artymagazines.com

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