Jake Grewal at Studio Voltaire

Studio Voltaire is host to Under the Same Sky – a series of new paintings by Jake Grewal which are influenced by the lengthy periods of time he recently spent in India and Cornwall. Most pieces are on a grand scale – cinematic shorelines and seascapes populated by naked male figures.  Echoing 19th century European traditions, the pieces are visions of light, form and colour. The show is dominated by The Ceaseless Cycle of Erosion – a curved canvas almost six metres in length. The figures in muted greys move amongst muddy shadowy forms, azure blue skies and golden rocks. Clearly a place of queer male intimacy and freedom, the piece is in turn sombre, peaceful and joyful. The largely grey tones of the figures seem to suggest hidden men emerging from the background – perhaps a reference to the secrecy that characterised their world for so long.. 

There is a tension and ambiguity about many of the works. They capture both wide open spaces and the interior worlds of queer men, and speak to their relationship with nature and with other men. But there is also a sense of mystery and something other-worldy about the people and the places – a combination of confidence and uncertainty.

These are interesting and complex works. Go and see them if you can.

Under the Sky runs until 13 April in Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row
SW4 7JR. Entry is free and the gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

For further information go to www.studiovoltaire.org