ARTIST STATEMENT
Through the combination of interconnected geometric shapes and expressive abstract painting, my paintings capture a balance of opposites. The chaos of the abstractly painted surface is harmonised by the precise order of the geometry. Curved and flowing shapes are balanced by sharp edges and straight lines. Using my logical mind and digital technology to construct my geometric compositions, the process of painting the shapes is free and intuitive, allowing the expanses of bold textures and shimmering colours to flow through me. At times figurative and others embracing mandala symbolism, I fragment my subject to create dynamic asymmetric compositions of interlocking shapes infused with vibrant colours.
My unique painting process uses a laser cutter to cut my digital compositions into separate wooden shapes. I then expressively paint the pieces before putting them back together. The unification of physical and digital in my creative process reflects the evolving relationship between humanity and technology in our current time in history.
Born through personal introspection and seeking balance within myself, my paintings are a method of making the unconscious conscious and giving visual form to the unseen world. Symbolising the oneness of all things, each individual pieces is an essential part of the whole painting, just as we are all unique yet connected by our shared human experience. Through the personal we can connect with the universal and my paintings are a meditation on our collective human experience and our connection to the cosmos.
ARTIST BIO
Scottish-born; Lewis Deeney (1994) is an award-winning artist who creates abstract paintings combining expressive abstract painting with interconnected geometric forms. Inspired by the ancient past and philosophical ideas shared across cultures, Deeney’s work symbolises the oneness of all things and the universal philosophy of the balance of opposites. A creative child yet not an obvious artist, Deeney fluctuated between different interest before finding his passion for art in his late teens. After breaking his nose on holiday, Deeney discovered yoga and has been practising daily for over a decade. With a diminished sense of smell and an expanding worldview, this was a pivotal moment in Deeney’s story as his life and work became spiritually inspired and his paintings became a form of meditation to connect with himself and our shared human experience.
He graduated with a first- class honours in contemporary art practice from the University of Dundee in 2020, during which Deeney won the James Orchard Memorial award, the Farquar Reid Trust Prize and was selected for the Freeland’s Painting Prize. After being awarded the William S Phillips award, a bursary for his tuition fees, Deeney continued his studies at DJCAD graduating with an MFA in Art & Humanities in 2021, with the University acquiring his work for their public collection.
Lewis Deeney’s work has already been featured in five solo shows across Scotland, including An Odyssey of Chaos at the Glasgow Art Club and The Sky is Dreaming at Fire Station Creative. Deeney represented Scotland at the Interceltique Festival, France, was shortlisted for the Chaiya Art & Spirituality award, and has been included in several group shows and art fairs in the UK, Europe, Middle East and the USA. Deeney’s work is included in the Lunar Codex Project, a digital human archive of contemporary creativity which will be sent to, and stored on, the moon.
