Steve Whitehead and Paula Zimmermann

About

Steve Whitehead is a master of the visual illusion. He does not simply reproduce photographs in paint, but creates an alternative reality, subtly manipulating a familiar scene to such a degree that that the viewer is forced to reassess and re-evaluate the world around them. Each painting is a composite of images, photographs, sketches and colour notes collected by Steve on location and painstakingly re-produced on canvas back at the studio. Such is the degree of detail one painting might take two years to complete.

Steve Whitehead was born in the1960's and studied at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth under the tutorage of the eminent artist David Tinker. After graduating with an MA (Fine Art Practice) he continued his studies at the Courtauld Institute of Art. Honoured by twice winning the Wales Open and prize winner for the Manchester Academy and Hunting Art Prizes exhibitions, Whitehead's paintings are now held in the permanent collection of the Contemporary Art Society of Wales.

The exhibition will also feature work by Paula Zimmermann, whose portraits of dogs combine an interest in canine mannerisms with a love for bold colour and pattern. Applying elements of traditional portraiture, her subjects are seemingly personified by the composition, revealing Zimmermann's unique sense of humour. It is a common and natural tendency for humans to perceive their pets as having human characteristics, and drawing on this tendency the artist provides a glimpse into the way in which we perceive ourselves. Paula Zimmermann has exhibited throughout the UK and internationally, including Heartbreak Publishing, London, and the Beth Urdang Gallery, Boston, USA.