Jamie Hewlett Seamlessly Creates Three Bodies Of Work At Saatchi Gallery

Jamie Hewlett

Jamie Hewlett is a very talented guy indeed! Best Known for Tank Girl, the cult comic series, he is also a founding member of the ‘virtual band’ Gorillaz along with Blur’s Damon Albarn. His first solo art exhibition in a public gallery does not disappoint.  

‘The Suggestionists’ currently at The Saatchi Gallery, London from November 18-3 January 2106, presents ‘three brand new bodies of work’ by Hewlett in three unique stages of the exhibition titled ‘Tarot’, ‘Honey’ and ‘Pines’.

“Tarot”,comprised of a series of oversized tarot cards that are very much in the style of his illustration/comic work but have a depth based in 60s psychedelia. My favourite by far titled Le Diable, 2014. 

The next room is dark and sinister with plush bordello-style, red velvet seating. It is quite like a room out of  a David Lynch set. “Honey”, is a pastiche of exploitation films from the 1970s where Hewlett reveals  series of light-boxes evoking a forbidding ambiance. Think Russ Meyer and you’ve cracked it. 

The final room “Pines” is quite understated the work features the iconic Pines located in the South of France as the subject. They are beautifully detailed renditions of trees which show an affinity with nature and project a peaceful monochromatic subtlety.

Jamie Hewlett is an accomplished draftsman who translates from illustration to fine art seamlessly. I would like to see some large scale work from this artist, perhaps some sculpture. Kaws comes to mind in terms of a possible direction.

At 47, Jamie currently lives and works in Paris. When I caught up with him at his opening I asked him about how was he feeling about returning to Paris after the recent catastrophic events in the city. He lamented that many of the killing took place in his neighbourhood, but life goes on and we have to show our support by carrying on as usual. 

Words/Photos P C Robinson © Artlyst 2015

The exhibition continues at the Saatchi Gallery Until 3 January

Buy an original Jamie Hewlett Print On Artlyst:  £250 each

To celebrate Jamie Hewlett’s exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery,

a stunning suite of 6 limited edition prints have been published. 

Each archival print is 59.4 x 42cm, on Hahnemuhle etching paper 300gsm

limited edition of just 250 signed & numbered at only £250 pounds each.

For More  Information or to buy  Click Here

Jamie Hewlett - ArtLyst Event

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