Simon Hopkinson

My paintings come mainly from less loved UK scenery, especially of the urban, generic and run-down variety. I tend, with odd exceptions, to avoid more popular attractions, preferring a view to match my mood or, increasingly, what seems like the darkness of today's world. Through present-day surroundings and the people in them - sometimes the main subject - the work often tries to reflect, amongst other things, our age of existential threats.

Helped by my photography, I usually paint more loosely than a photorealist would, leaving some feeling on the surface. I am more concerned with atmosphere, colour and socially relevant content than with concept or form. Aesthetically speaking, my main message would be that beauty is wider than generally accepted - arguably universal - and not confined to prettiness, elegant shapes or particular types of subject. I aim to combine what for me is the visual appeal of my favoured locations with a sense of contemporary malaise.

As well as continuing with my usual stuff, lately I’ve been working on a new fantasy series, trying to make something strange and dystopian from images shot in my ex garden, which had grown to look quite eerily abandoned.

Growing up in Yorkshire I began using a camera aged 12, discovering Northern cityscapes in my teens. After moving to Bristol in the mid eighties I explored some of its more neglected spots, using the photos for my first acrylic on canvas pictures in 1994. I am self taught.

2018
The Other Art Fair Bristol
26th to 29th of July

2017
Solo exhibition at Exeter Co-Lab as part of Art Week Exeter

2016
Solo exhibition at The Poole Lighthouse main gallery

2015
Solo exhibition at Exeter Picturehouse

2014
Solo exhibitions at Southville Centre Bristol

Work shown at RE Bucheli Fine Art Bristol and Exeter St. Davids community centre

2013
Solo exhibitions at Exeter Phoenix
and Grant Bradley Gallery Bristol, the latter featured in Venue magazine and Metro newspaper

2012
Bristol solo exhibitions at St George's, Cafe Grounded and Zion Arts Centre

Part of 'Hope & Poverty' at Paintworks Bristol

2011
Bristol solo exhibitions at RWA Fedden Gallery, Bocabar, Tobacco Factory and Folk House cafe