The award-winning abstract-expressionist painter Anthony Daley has an upcoming solo show Irreality with Varvara Roza Galleries in London, following on from his hugely successful show Son of Rubens at Dulwich Picture Gallery. The title Irreality refers to that state of being perhaps best described as daydreaming or reverie – an abstract inner landscape given to the construction of ideas that have little to do with corporeal reality.
Anthony Daley’s career has been defined by the pursuit of beauty, producing works of phosphorescent transcendence that tip a nod the painterly genius of the Old Masters while, simultaneously, communicating something vital and contemporary. Since graduation from the Chelsea College of Arts in the early 80s, the artist has become increasingly celebrated for his captivating ability to seamlessly blend vibrant colours in an explosive and overwhelming fugue, presenting otherworldly meditations that provide a unique portal to the infinite, and engaging the viewer in a compelling dialogue between tradition and the dynamic aspects of modernity.
Anthony Daley says: “At some stage in life, I learned that in the process of painting, the painting will then begin to paint you. It will take over, and, for me, that’s the magical moment when it starts speaking back. In that moment, I think: ‘Who am I speaking to? Am I speaking to Rembrandt? Am I speaking to Einstein? Am I speaking to God?’ And, you know, really I am speaking to the infinite.”
“The activity of painting itself never ceases to amaze me with what can be achieved by people with the application of essentially primitive earthly stuff on basic materials mingled with the artist’s drive, imagination and instincts to conjure up untold magic, wonder and awe.”
– Anthony Daley
Since his early childhood in Jamaica, being fascinated by mathematics and cosmology from a very early age, and seeing beauty in everything around him – from a Newtonian equation, to the phenomenology of a falling leaf, Daley has drawn his inspiration from a diverse array of sources, ranging from classical literature, quantum physics, poetry to the serene beauty of natural phenomena. All of these influences feed into works that evoke the sublime, where mesmeric fields of colour are punctuated with iridescent flashes of light.
“Art is a celebration. It’s a revelation. It’s a joy. It’s a muckraking celebration of humanity. Van Gogh once said that one day painting would just be about colour, and I think that’s about freedom. It’s the freedom to explore and go into the unknown, and, you know, I think my paintings have that sense of play”
– Anthony Daley
The chief concern for Daley as an artist is truly the activation of wonder, and the passionate works in Irreality invite the viewer to join him in a profound and meditative celebration of being and manifestation. As such, the artist taps not only into what he refers to as the pan-cultural universal language of art, but also the limitless possibilities of unfettered creativity.
About the Artist
Anthony Daley (b. 1960 in Jamaica, lives and works in London) received his Bachelors Degree in Fine Art from Wimbledon School of Art in 1982, and his Masters Degree in Fine Art from Chelsea School of Art in 1983. Daley was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Painting Fellowship in 1984 and has exhibited in over 25 solo exhibitions internationally; in London, New York, Los Angeles and Zurich. His work is held in The Tate and the National Portrait Gallery. Daley’s work was also included in Edward Lucie-Smith’s seminal publication, Art Today, and the 2014 publication Black Artists in British Art by Eddy Chambers. Daley’s work was recently included in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2021, Reclaiming Magic, coordinated by Yinka Shonibare CBE (RA), and in 2022 his work was the subject of a solo exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery, London.
About Varvara Roza Galleries
Varvara Roza, CEO of Varvara Roza Galleries, is an art agent and advisor whose verve and passion for bringing leading contemporary artists, and Greece’s brightest artists to the global stage is second to none. Varvara specialises in the promotion of contemporary art by established and emerging international artists, and she is determined to feature a multitude of artistic disciplines with an intent focus on giving a platform to exceptional talent, diversity and cultural relevance. She is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of excellence and integrity within her projects across Europe. @varvararozagalleries
About The Blender Gallery
The Blender Gallery is a leading contemporary art gallery in Athens, which aims to promote Greek artists both in Greece and abroad, whilst collaborating with well-established artists and galleries from all around the world. The architecture of the 360 sm exhibition space is specifically designed to meet the standards of a pioneer gallery, allowing the presentation of numerous pieces of art dynamically and interactively, both in group and solo exhibitions. Since 2019 a synergy between The Blender Gallery and Varvara Roza Galleries has been established aiming to present Greek artists abroad. theblendergallery.com | @theblendergallery
ANTHONY DALEY – IRREALITY
Solo exhibition presented by
Varvara Roza Galleries & The Blender Gallery
November 12th – December 5th, 2024
Private View: November 13, 2024, 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Varvara Roza Galleries, 8 Duke Street, St. James’s, London, SW1Y 6BN
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