Artist Statement

I view abstract painting as an expression that creates a space that can only be experienced rather than described in a manner, which conforms to a prose-like, syntactical reading. In this sense, I see it as akin to poetry; as T.S. Eliot once said, "Poetry communicates before it is understood." It is the rational side of our brain, which helps us in our practical life, giving way to the deeper space within.

I utilize a painterly methodology embracing the continuity between fragmentation, destruction and movement, which I feel encapsulates both brutal and beautiful aspects of our inner being. I always listen to music while I'm painting, in particular Jazz and drum 'n' bass, taking interest in melodies and chord changes and how musical expression relates to abstract painting. For me, this combination reflects a kind of spiritualism, treating nature more as a metaphysical concept.

Artists who particularly interest me include: De Chirico, Fahlstrom, Clemente, Pollock, Bleckner, Dubuffet, Alechinsky, Baselitz, Klee, Kandinsky, Rothko and Robert & Sonia Delaunay. Poets: Bukowski, Rimbaud, Whitman, Blake, Breton, Ginsberg, Mandelstam and Wallace Stevens. I am also really influenced by the Dionysian qualities of Jazz, alongside the movements of dance and martial arts such as Kung Fu and Capoeira.

Chris Sharp

Email: christopher_sharp@hotmail.com

www.myspace.com/harmonyofnothing

Artist CV

September 2007: Group show at the Concourse Gallery, London

July 2006: Poetry reading with exhibition at Hotel Sofia, Rue de Sofia, Paris

September 4th – October 30th 2005: Solo Exhibition at the Carved Angel Café, 21A Cathedral Yard, Exeter

August 19th 2005: DJing and exhibiting work at the Beautiful Days Festival, Escot Park, Devon

July 2nd 2005: DJing and exhibiting at the Respect Festival, Exeter featuring Misty in Roots

November 26th 2004: Sculpture piece with VJ collaboration and DJ performance, Progression Sessions featuring LTJ Bukem & MC Conrad (as part of their UK tour prior to the release of a live mix recorded in Munich, Germany)

July 2004: DJing and exhibiting work at the Respect Festival, Exeter, featuring Asian Dub Foundation

April – May 2002: Curator of an exhibition for the Royal Society for the Blind at The Djanogoly Showcase Gallery, Shakespeare Street, Nottingham

July 1998: Group show at The Goethe Institut, South Kensington, London

Publications

December 2007: Untitled (collaboration 1) (poem) published in the Round Table Review

July 2007: Number 7 (poem) published in Measuremag

June 2007: Number 16 (poem) published in the Round Table Review

April 2007: Number 7 (poem) published in The Free Review

May 2002: Interviewed by Grapevine magazine about project with Royal Society for the Blind

Education

2006 – 2007: Central Saint Martins, London, MA – Fine Art

2000 – 2003: The Nottingham Trent University, BA/Hon’s – Contemporary Arts

1997 – 1998: Exeter College, Foundation Studies in Art & Design