AR TIS T “W “Wayward Head”, Original Oil on Canvas, 39.4” x 35.4” “For Wright, art is about
creating an honest view of his own emotional connection with the subject. Portraiture carries with it an intimacy that must be treated with respect and dedication.”
FEA TURE
e watch the mouth of people speaking, we look for eyes to betray hidden emotions,” says Paul Wright. “It is endlessly interesting!” Both timeless and new, the human face fascinates every artist interested in interpreting human nature. Paul Wright devotes himself to examining the individual beyond likeness, creating a painterly style through which his “subjects are glimpsed rather than exposed, their inner selves hinted at but ultimately inscrutable.” Born in 1973 in Leicester, England, Wright attended Falmouth University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration. He has exhibited his paintings throughout the United Kingdom, as well as in Canada, India, and the United States. His paintings have graced the walls of the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of the BP Portrait Awards exhibition, and Prudential, Standard Chartered Bank, Accenture, and Texas State University all hold collections of his work as well. For Wright, art is about creating an honest view of his own emotional connection with the subject. Portraiture carries with it an intimacy that must be treated with respect and dedication. Having spent the past 14 years developing his own visual language, Wright earns his subjects’ trust, allowing him to bring their identity to the canvas. Some of his paintings depict his own likeness or that of close family and friends, while others remain nameless, such as the subject in Wayward Head. Treating the named and the nameless alike, Wright emphasizes the humanity in all individuals. Wright’s work combines various influences. Like the cubists, he analyzes his subject, breaks up the image, and then reassembles it in his painting. At the same time, his large brushstrokes and impression of spontaneity are drawn from expressionism. The artist achieves his desired effect by combining these nearly opposing elements, pushing the line between abstraction and portraiture. In addition to portraits, Wright has a strong interest in still life, but whether it is a pair of worn boots or an old armchair, he is still telling a story. These simple objects reveal something about their owners, creating a glimpse into someone’s private life while leaving the person undisclosed. Wright’s subtle understanding and refined technique have garnered a worldwide audience, and collectors this side of the Atlantic now have the opportunity to view his original works at Exclusive Collections Gallery in Laguna Beach.
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