ELAINE Thomas returns to According To McGee, in York, from October 20 with All Creatures Great And Small, her latest collection of mischievous, irrepressible, fresco-inspired figurative art.
"I'm looking forward to showing my work in York again," she says. "My last show at According To McGee was warmly received and I hope that people will respond positively to my new paintings, which explore similar themes.
"Individual characters or 'creatures' are presented in each painting, adopting postures both humorous and sinister. The paintings on wood are intentionally small and work well in interior domestic spaces."
Elaine, who received a CBE in 2011 for her contribution to the creative arts as Vice-Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts, has held solo shows twice before at the gallery in Tower Street in 2014 and 2016.
"2017 has been a great year at According To McGee; we're hitting a victory lap with Elaine Thomas and I really can't think of a better way than winding up the year up than to celebrate with All Creatures Great and Small," says co-director Greg McGee.
"Elaine's new collection is a series of depictions of figures contorting, writhing, and generally having all kinds of fun in the style that keen collectors and followers of Elaine's work have come to expect."
Artist Elaine Thomas, right, with According To McGee co-director Ails McGee
Co-director Ails McGee adds: "It's a recognisable style. Elaine doesn't have to reinvent anything. She found her groove a while back, and she's not only very comfortable with it, it yields fascinating results.
"Collectors have grown to expect the opaque Romanesque contortions and the ancient quality of classical frescoes, and so here they are, a brand new collection, all filtered through Elaine's inimitable vision. There's a classical vibe, yes, but there's the restless, contemporary energy that has underpinned Elaine's ascent in the art world for years."
The McGees already have high ambitions in place for 2018. "We have some white hot plans for next year, much of it based on new work from Specials' rock star and Pop Art master Horace Panter, and there'll be performance art from alumni students of Goldsmiths, University of London, but running through it will be contemporary painting," says Greg.
"Before then, Elaine Thomas and her art play a big part in our celebration of modern painting as a relevant, competitive genre in the contemporary art scene."
According To McGee is benefiting from the fresh energy and vision of new gallery manager Edie Goulden. "Edie has been involved with curating the new exhibition and will work at front of house for the launch," says Greg.
"We're looking forward to it. Every arty event deserves a good party, and browsers and collectors alike will be welcomed with a glass of wine and the latest chocolaty treats from York Cocoa House."
All Creatures Great And Small will run from October 20 to November 11. For details on the launch event, contact greg@accordingtomcgee.com
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