Love is a Strange Place: Neil MacPherson

Shortly after the the first lockdown at a time when we were allowed to venture out tentatively, I had it in my mind to go on a studio visit to see Neil MacPherson and hopefully collect a couple of paintings that might freshen up the work in the gallery, on the lead up to to the festive period.

Neil was welcoming as always but nonetheless apprehensive about the visit, understandable as himself and his family had been rigorously adhering to the rules of lockdown.

What greeted me as I entered the studio was the most delightful surprise, an Aladdin's cave of painted treasures. Clearly he had immersed himself into his painting during the lockdown period. A rich body of work hung all around the studio and clearly the opportunity for a one man show presented itself. Day to day his working process had remained very much the same. Far from being overwhelmed by the turmoil that had engulfed the lives of us all around the world. A time when we were forced to endure long periods of isolation and uncertainties, amid fears for ourselves and our loved ones. Neil ever the artist chose to embrace rather than shy away from all of those emotions and somehow challenge himself to speak honestly and freely about the influence it has had on himself and his work.

It is a rare mature talent that is on show here, a distinctive voice perhaps less sure of the outcomes that has surprised us and perhaps himself once again. 

Neil MacPherson is a wonderfully inventive painter with a superb use of colour. His paintings revolve around a beautiful narrative that draws in the viewer curious to discover more about this surreal, poetic world that he creates /inhabits.

Its always a pleasure to introduce Neils work to people for the first time. Although he is a regular to be found in the gallery, it's a rare treat to be able to bring together his work for a one man show.

Gordon Brown, Brown's Gallery

View the Exhibition Catalogue