James Rielly
Visions and Revisions
Press Release
Curatorial
"Visions and Revisions," an exhibition by British artist James Rielly (b. 1956), whose work continues to challenge with its complex interplay of form, narrative, and vision. The artworks that will be shown range from his iconic pieces characterized by recognizable stripes and the use of pastel tones, to explorations of traditional still life. His work is iconic in the sense of depicting eyes with a strong, staring manner that is found across multiple works, spanning from figurative to almost abstract. The suggestive presence of eyes—intense and compelling—dominates his creations, reflecting a profound dialogue between contemporary disruptions and historical continuities.
James Rielly’s work has always engaged deeply with the subtleties of human perception and the unspoken dialogues that unfold within moments of eye contact. This show extends that exploration, presenting works that embody the tension between seeing and being seen, between the external world and internal experience. The eyes in Rielly's works do not merely observe but question, reflecting the conflicts and connections that define human interaction.
In the piece inspired by Kafka’s "The Metamorphosis," Rielly captures the alienation and transformation of Kafka’s protagonist, Gregor Samsa, with a stark poignancy that resonates with contemporary feelings of dislocation and identity crisis. These works are not literal depictions but rather evoke the emotional and psychological undercurrents of Kafka’s narrative, drawing viewers into a space of empathy and reflection.
Alongside these modern meditations are Rielly’s revisitations of traditional diptychs and genres such as "la nature morte." Here, Rielly pays homage to the Flemish and especially Dutch Baroque traditions, infusing classic still life compositions with a freshness that bridges past and present. His flowers and mundane objects, rendered with an almost hyperreal clarity, are juxtaposed against abstract elements, creating a visual dialogue between the conventional and the unexpected.
The most striking of Rielly’s thematic threads in this exhibition is the use of eyes. Eyes appear throughout his works, not just as anatomical features but as windows to the soul and society. These eyes challenge the viewers, holding them in moments of 'confliction'—a term Rielly uses to describe the everyday confrontations and connections made through eye contact. This motif transforms the gallery space into a field of visual and metaphorical mystery, where each painting looks back at the viewer, inviting a deeper engagement.
"Visions and Revisions" at Buysse Gallery; it is an experiential journey through the layers of human consciousness, mediated by the artistic vision of James Rielly. Through his masterful blending of traditional techniques and contemporary sensibilities, Rielly not only revisits art history but revises it, proposing new ways of seeing and understanding our world.
Gallery Statement
It is with great enthusiasm that we announce an exceptional exhibition marking the collaboration between the renowned British artist James Rielly and our vibrant new gallery. This partnership is not merely a confluence of talents but a celebration of shared visions and mutual aspirations in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.
James Rielly, with his distinguished career and unique voice in the art world, brings to our space a rich variety of works that resonate deeply with the historical and artistic narratives of Belgium. His approach to art—vivid, contemplative, and invariably imbued with a subtle humor—complements our gallery’s mission to showcase works that challenge, delight, and inspire dialogue.
This collaboration began serendipitously, tied by mutual connections and shared respect, and quickly evolved into a deeper, more meaningful endeavor. Our mutual friend, Stefanie Verduyn (Verduyn Gallery), introduced us last year during James his Solo Exhibition at her gallery (2023), recognizing the potential for a fruitful collaboration. From this introduction grew a partnership that is as much about celebrating James's remarkable journey in art as it is about ushering in a new era for our gallery.
The decision to host James Rielly's exhibition stems from a recognition of his significant contributions to the arts and an acknowledgment of the synergetic potential between his artistic philosophy and our gallery's curatorial vision. His works, known for their engaging narratives and visual impact, are a perfect match for our gallery’s commitment to presenting art that not only captivates visually but also provokes thought and emotional response.
James's previous engagements with the Belgian art scene—marked by a notable exhibition at Patrick de Brock Gallery (De Brock Gallery) and his ongoing popularity across Europe—make this collaboration particularly poignant. His return to Belgium, especially to a town enriched with art and culture like Knokke, feels much like a homecoming.
In hosting James Rielly, we are not only celebrating his artistic achievements but also embracing the dynamic interplay between artist and gallery. This show is set to be a landmark event, inviting viewers to experience a collection that captures the essence of James’s artistic exploration over the years, reflecting both the continuity and the evolution of his work.
Biography
James Rielly was born in 1956 in Wrexham, Wales and splits his time living and working between Paris and the south of France. Educated at the Gloucester College of Art and Design in Cheltenham, United Kingdom, and the Belfast College of Art in Northern Ireland, Rielly has been the recipient of numerous awards, fellowships, and grants since 1983. He has also participated in various artist residencies both in the UK and internationally.
Rielly’s work has been the focus of solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the CAC Malaga in Spain; the Centro de Arte de Salamanca, Spain; FRAC Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, France; Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, France; and the Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin, Germany. His contributions to group shows include notable exhibitions at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France; Musée d’Art Contemporain Marseille, France; Frissiras Museum in Athens, Greece; Gemeentemuseum Helmond in the Netherlands; Hamburger Bahnhof Museum für Gegenwart in Berlin, Germany; Brooklyn Museum of Art in New York, USA; and the highly acclaimed Young British Artists exhibition by Saatchi at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, UK.
James Rielly’s artworks are featured in numerous esteemed institutional collections around the world, including the CAC Malaga, Spain; Centre Pompidou in Paris, France; Saatchi Collection and Tate Gallery in London, UK; Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, UK; FRAC Auvergne, France; and the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, UK, among others.
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