Output details

Solo Exhibition: Jerusalem, held 23 November to 22 December 2012

This was a solo exhibition, curated by Zavier Ellis, Director of Charlie Smith London, an independent gallery which aims to promote visual artists in a national and international context. 7 pieces were exhibited in total. The exhibition was accompanied by a text written by Dr Gavin Parkinson (Courtauld Institute of Art).

Research Imperatives

This research explored the nature of Englishness and what it means to be English today. Do Utopian ideals as expressed through Blake reside only as an illusion, expressed through the imagination or are they evident in our folklore and traditions? How can an alternative view of progressivist, linear chronology, expressed as cyclical time within the notion of Arcadia be represented in painting?

Research that Shepherd gathered to write an article, ‘The Golden Age; Between Wilderness and Utopia’ for the Pastoral edition of Architectural Design (March 2013) was integral to the practice, drawing on the work of a number of different artists including Golden Age by Lucas Cranach the Elder c.1472-1573). Shepherd also examined modern superstitions and folklore, gathering imagery from festival and folk events.

Shepherd’s use of the ‘tondo’ or circular form reflects the importance of the ritual within the seasons; where the past, present and future cease to be distinct.

Portfolio

CD :

(i) Images of the exhibition

(ii) Private view invitation

(iii) Text by Dr Gavin Parkinson