Piers Ottey "Sempre Endavant, Mai Morirem" (Piers Sera Toujours Piers)

About

We are pleased to present 'Sempre Endavant, Mai Morirem' (Piers Sera Toujours Piers)a collection of paintings and drawings by Piers Ottey at the Menier Gallery, Southwark Street, London, SE1.

The exhibition's title translates as 'Always forward, we'll never die', the motto of the French town of Collioure, near where Piers has recently set up a studio. The subtitle translates as 'Piers will always be Piers', referencing Piers' individuality and distinctive style. This is Collioure's alternative motto, and quotes Maurice Chevalier's famous song 'Paris sera toujours Paris'

Collioure has a strong Catalan culture and also a rich artistic heritage: In the early 20th century several Fauve artists made it their meeting place; Derain, Braque, Matisse and Charles Rennie Mackintosh have all been inspired by the Town's royal Castle, and now so has Piers Ottey.

When not teaching, Piers Ottey splits his time between studios in Collioure, Sussex and London and this variety is reflected in his work. His paintings of London, both of the landmarks and of the cities rarely seen underground culture clearly show how he is influenced by his surroundings. His landscapes of the Sussex Downs are a reflection of the gratification gained in painting the local countryside, often returning to the same views again and again.

Well known for his landscapes, Piers is also an accomplished figurative artist. 'Dux Populi' ('Leader of the People'), one of Piers' works from 2016.

The subjects to be included in this exhibition will then innevitably include London, France and Sussex scenes as well as a large new Brough motorcycle piece, some figure paintings and of course Audrey, Pier's jack russell and constant companion.

He has been exhibited at the Zimmer Stewart Gallery, the Medici Gallery London, Saddler's Row Gallery and, most recently, at the Shoreditch Gallery, where his solo exhibition, 'Form and Process' demonstrated Piers Ottey's view that art is all around us.