These small, intense, paintings are made in parallel to Bernard’s much larger paintings and as such, constitute an integral part of his thinking through daily studio activity. The large paintings, by their very nature, take time. Freed from the technical demands and extended time frame of the very large paintings, these small works allow for continuous and fluid thinking. Working on several at any one time enables Irwin to explore ideas in a more open and discursive way than is possible in the big paintings. While these small works are fully realised paintings, some have also proved to be effective studies for his large-scale works. The intensity and concentrated focus of these paintings serve to enhance their scope and drama.
Titles are carefully considered, poetic, and hint at deeper and elusive meaning. Alluding to traditional genres such as landscape and still life, the paintings themes of transcendence, transformation, growth and renewal, seek the possibility of spiritual transcendence in the modern world.
All works are for sale.
