THEN and NOW

About

THEN AND NOW' is an exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Free Painters and Sculptors (FPS). 'Then and Now' pays tribute to the diversity of the eclectic yet coherent group of artists from one of the capital's longest established artist organisations. The exhibition holds true to the founding principles of FPS - artists who are free from the constraints of a particular art classification, style or movement. 'Then and Now' will feature FPS artists from the past six decades, including founding member and renowned sculptor Roy Rasmussen. Newer members also include contemporary landscape painter Rob Perry RBSA and urban artist PIKY. This show will be an opportunity to purchase affordable work from established artists, as well as exciting up-and-coming members. It will also give a fascinating insight into the history of FPS since 1952. The Private View (22th November) will be an opportunity to meet FPS members from the last 60 years and to enjoy music from award winning singer-songwriter and Queen of the Underground, Hadar Manor (www.hadar.co.uk) About FPS: The Free Painters, Sculptors and Printmakers (formerly the Free Painters Group) has a unique place in British art. Born out of the vision of Denis Bowen, its founder in 1952, and was given patronage by Nina Hosali founder of the animal Charity SPANA. The founding members featured many high profile and influential artists, including Roy Rasmussen, Lyall Watson and Maurice Jadot, as well as having an association with the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts) at the Mall Galleries in Pall Mall. During the fifties and sixties, FPS strived to keep modernist art alive at a time when tasteful nudes and Robins were the populist genre, therefore playing a significant part in the establishment of abstract art in Britain, and being the first of a number of post war movements that freed artists from the orthodoxy of rigid and purely technical judgements. The current FPS membership consists of an international collective of up and coming and established artists, who hold group exhibitions two times a year in some of London's most exciting commercial galleries. Contacts Curator and exhibition organiser - Gabriel Parfitt gabrielparfitt@hotmail.com | www.gabrielparfitt.co.uk | 07786865356 Assistant Curator — Charlotte Williams williams.charlotte@hotmail.co.uk Graphic Design / Direction - Mike Garland me@mikegarland.com FPS info@freepaintersandsculptors.co.uk | www.freepaintersandsculptors.co.uk The Royal Opera arcade Tel 0207 930 8069 | http://www.roa-galleria.com/