1st August 2017 – 31st August 2017

‘Siblings’ 

Enzo Marra’s creative practice is concerned with the exploration and pictorial analysis of the art world. He explores the juxtaposing perceptions of those involved and those outwith the industry, their valuing and auctioning, the processes and activities that occur behind the privacy of studio doors, the hanging and display of works animated by the commodified space of the gallery, the milling of observers in exhibition spaces, and ultimately how the public presence then gives life and purpose to the works on display.

The use of texture is of great importance to his practice – lending both added dimensions to the oil paints as well as necessary dominance to his brushwork, which is visible within the final image. The physical dragging and building up of pigment is as relevant in his creations as the tonality and colour balance that they are used to express.

In Siblings, Marra has selected a number of figurative-inspired works, alongside palette-based works, which wholly reflect his own painting practice, whilst providing the leverage to further explore such interrelationships.  The intricate balance between studio activity and what is permitted for public viewing, and the concept of authentic and true pigment application, is explored in this series of acrylic, enamel and oil canvases.

These works have enabled Marra to be selected for the Creekside Open in 2013, 2015 and 2017; the Threadneedle Prize in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2016; Beep Wales in 2014 and 2016; Gfest in 2010; Charlie Smith Anthology in 2011; the Open West at Gloucester Cathedral in 2012 and the John Moores Painting Prize in 2012 and 2016.

Marra was a prizewinner in the Creekside Open 2017 – selected by Jordan Baseman – and was included on the shortlist for the 100 Painters of Tomorrow. He was also given an honourable mention in the Beers Contemporary Award for Emerging Art 2013.