Artist Bevil Byam shows his latest works
Stop at John Larmonie Centre on Longwall Road in Philipsburg September 7 through 20 to check out the wonderful exhibition of paintings by St. Maarten artist Bevil Byam. The showing begins with an opening on September 6, by invitation only, and features a series of abstracts progressing towards depictions of male nudes. Byam has characterized his personal artistic style as one of abstractions, but admits he does include classical styles on occasion to assure himself that he can still follow traditional styles of landscapes and portraits.
The dozen or so pieces on display represent an arduous process which the artist endured from 2008 to 2010. He admits it was a long and almost therapeutic process to get them done. "The theme is really one of humanity. I have always used the human figure very minimally and I chose to include the style at this time. Why male nudes? Well, you go to art school and you never know who is going to pose in front of you, so the mind is open to anything." Byam commented during an interview with Out 'n About that everyone always does female nudes, so he wanted to push the envelope a little, while keeping the tradition of exploring the human form.
Byam embraces a completely abstract style, but wants to show the importance of the human figure at the same time. In that manner, he chose at this time to do a series of paintings that progress from showing the imagery dominated by bursts and swirls of colour and pinpoints of light to ones that focus on reclining male forms. "I tend to show an explosion of colour, monotones of yellow or gold with one or two other colours that break the mould."
Pinpoints of light have been a recurring part of Byam's work – and there are always seven. "The significance the number seven is complicated, it has importance – it's found as far back as The Bible, and there are seven chakra points in the body." The artist searched to explain why the seven points of light are present in almost all of his work. "I cannot tell you exactly how I arrived at that, it just doesn't seem complete unless I have those in the scene."
The works shown are created in acrylic with some paper and gesso added for relief and texture. They are all paintings on canvas. The exhibition is open to the public during the hours John Larmonie Centre is open from September 7 to 20.
