JeffGibbons makes paintings that feature words and images on un-stretched canvas. Sometimes the ideas are played out on small canvases but as often they are large and in recent years he has developed the idea of walk-in paintings. Made from groups of large canvases fixed to simple wooden structures these walk-in works literally form their own environment that enclose the viewer within the created space and establish a close and direct involvement with the work. 

Taking his sources from pop culture, especially music and chat shows, paintings past, philosophy, theology, sex and religion the image presented is the interplay between literary language and the language of painting. Words and objects, usually modest everyday objects, seem to be more or less arbitrarily disposed across the canvas; smudged and marked as if more by accident than by design they belie a painterly sensibility that he pretends is not the case.

Collectively titled vanitas Gibbons questions much that is shallow and fruitless about contemporary life and culture. His style of painting encourages a sombre view of the world, a reminder of the transience of life, the futility of pleasure and the certainty of death. But throughout, his canvases wear their sophistication and intelligence lightly with wit and a deadpan humour. They are also very beautiful objects that remind us that the very best art can be meaningful without sacrifice to visual and emotional needs. 

Jeff Gibbons (b. 1962, England) lives and works in London. A prize-winner in the John Moores 19 at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool and the 1997 Nat West Prize he has shown regularly at Art Space Gallery since 2004.

A catalogue with 12 full colour plates and text by Jo Melvin is available.