F O R T H C O M I N G  E X H I B I T I O N

Anna Gardiner
10th June - 3rd July, 2008


C U R R E N T  E X H I B I T I O N

Will Maclean
7th May - 5th June, 2008
Different Meridians

Maclean explores concepts of measurement in new and surprising ways in key works for this exhibition. While the meridian may position us externally through instruments of measurement and navigation, it can also position us internally, rather like acupuncture and Chinese medicine, where located pathways in the body are conduits for the flow of vital energy.

A metaphorical approach has been central to Maclean's visual thinking over decades. The surfaces and complex materials of his enigmatic box constructions resonate with the burying and partial recovery of a narrative. More and more the mark-making reads like traces carefully gathered to inform or to evoke something amounting to more than their physical existence.

Motifs of surrealism infuse the constructions with a playful but formal ingenuity, keeping references to the sea and to its exploration through astronomy and other means, always in evidence. The white, salt like, bone-dry appearance of the new work, some of it substantial in scale, takes us into a new kind of space. Maclean asks us also to look up at the stars and to consider newly available information that constitutes a 'cosmic writing', capable of informing us beyond all our hopes and expectations.

A catalogue with an essay by Dr Richard Holloway accompanies the exhibition.

Please visit the section for Front Room exhibitions


R E C E N T   E X H I B I T I O N S

Wilhelmina Barns-Graham 1912 - 2004
Sandra Blow 1925 - 2006
Energy in Abstraction
8th April - 1st May, 2008

Art First is very pleased to present exhilarating late work by two important British modernists.

Barns-Graham and Blow shared a friendship over several decades from the late 1950s onwards, both spending considerable periods in St. Ives. For each of them their later years were particularly fruitful, work after work was produced that proclaimed the freedom of expression they fought for and achieved in their careers.

Both artists have been honoured with solo exhibitions at Tate St.Ives, each accompanied by significant catalogue essays by the highly respected critic and writer, Mel Gooding (Blow, 2001; Barns-Graham, 2005).

We are privileged to co-operate with the Barns-Graham Charitable Trust and the estate of Sandra Blow. This has enabled the selection of wonderful paintings, several never seen in public exhibition before. There will also be groups of stunning prints, resulting from the successful collaborations that each artist enjoyed with accomplished specialist printmaking studios.


P A S T  E X H I B I T I O N S

Simon Lewty LONDON
Alan Kilpatrick LONDON
Jack Milroy LONDON
Simon Morley LONDON
Luke Elwes LONDON
Election LONDON
Eileen Cooper LONDON
Alex Lowery LONDON

For an extensive listing please see  


O W N  A R T

Art First is delighted to announce that it is participating in OWN ART. This is a scheme initiated by Arts Council England to encourage first time and existing collectors by providing the opportunity to use an interest free credit scheme*

* (Typical 0% APR).

Up to £2,000 is available with 10 monthly payments, subject to acceptance. Art First Limited is a licensed credit broker of Own Art loans. Registered address: 9 Cork Street, London W1S 3LL