Urban Landscapes, the new exhibition in Brixton’s Tate Library, celebrates the work of two very accomplished local artists. Mark McLaughlin and John Bateson are well known for their paintings of local scenes – particularly Brockwell Park. But they have contrasting styles and choice of subject. John uses exuberant and joyful splashes of colour to bring to life events and activities in the park while Mark perfectly captures the early morning and late afternoon light in reflective and meditative views of its trees and meadows as they change according to the season.
There are over 40 works on show and a mix of oil paintings, linocuts and pastels will give you a real flavour of their work. Both artists are inspired by the sights and varied colours of the area in and around Brixton – scenes of which will be familiar to the people who live here. But their different styles offer contrasting perspectives. Images of cool serenity, stillness and silent streetscapes from Mark sit alongside John’s vibrant glimpses of people at play and scenes of music and dancing. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the two works here which were chosen by each artist as their favourite examples of the other’s work.
Urban Landscapes runs until 30 September in the Tate Library, Windrush Square. Entry is free and it is open every day in line with the Library’s opening hours.
It’s well worth a few minutes of your time.
For further information about the artists and their work go to www.markmclaughlinartist.co.uk and www.johnbatesonpaintings.co.uk
