Like artists and poets before him, British artist Christian Furr explores themes fundamental to the human condition. His works are among the most beautiful vanitas - dialogues about life and death, portrayals of beauty and ephemerality encapsulated in an image of something exploding. The 'something' here is deliberate because the ambiguity in these jewel-like works is intentional. Each work brings mystery and allows the viewer to see many things in the formlessness. A flower, a sprite, a blossom.Furr's first 'Jouissance' painting was created in 2011 and the series began its evolution in 2015. The old masterly oil paintings have become the basis for these captivating works."The Vanitas concept stands for vanity of humankind and the brevity of life which is expressed in Vanitas painting by juxtaposing a symbol of life with one for death... The image of life seems ever more precious when it is shown to be fleeting".Ora Lerman'Contemporary Vanitas', Arts Magazine, 1988
For the first time there will be a dedicated and comprehensive exhibition of British artist, Christian Furr's iconic and celebrated 'Jouissance' series.
Across the gallery walls will be works depicting the artist's personal 'Vanitas' motif: a distinctive, luminescent explosion emerging from the darkness in various forms, and inspired by a genre made popular in 17th Century Dutch and Flemish painting using symbols to remind the viewer of the transience of life. Each piece is titled with lines from love poems to evoke different emotions. Colours range from pale to vivid blues, pinks, mauves, reds and greens.
The collection of around 38 works will be presented and curated over the two floors of NoonPowell Fine Art's gallery in Richmond, and will include original paintings alongside hand-finished mono-prints, both on canvas and paper, some with diamond dust.
The show catalogue will be available from around the end of August. There will be an opportunity to reserve or purchase works in the exhibition prior to the opening.
Private View: Thursday 18th September, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Exhibition Dates: 19th September - 19th October 2025
Catalogue Enquiries:
Private View & Exhibition Enquiries: info@noonpowellfineart.com
