Bono, mixed media, cut from original U2 vinyl on gold perspex 75 x 75 cm Unique edition of 5
British artist Keith Haynes exhibits new and celebrated artworks as the London art market reopens and adapts in a new collaboration between Masterpiece Art and Gallery Different; As countries around the world started locking down to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the artworld, with its intense merry-go-round of exhibitions, openings and art fairs, was brought abruptly to a halt. The sudden shutdown of the entire art market forced everyone to pause and consider how to respond. The necessity of finding new ways of working has inspired creative solutions such as the innovative collaboration between Gallery Different and Masterpiece Art, two London galleries working in different parts of the capital, who are coming together this summer to show the work of London mixed media artist Keith Haynes. The artworld is often seen as cut throat – but here these two commercial galleries are pooling resources and expertise to the benefit of the artist, and to the clients of both galleries, in this, the first in a series of planned exhibitions.
PRIME CUTS Vol 1, is the first of two collaborative solo exhibitions taking place in separate London locations, one month apart. Masterpiece Art based in West London will be focussing on Haynes’ portraiture, and, building on its ground-breaking Bowie exhibition earlier this year, will feature a number of new ‘Bowie’ works released here for the first time. Gallery Different, who have represented Haynes since his debut in 2011, will open their show in July, PRIME CUTS Vol 2, exhibiting a new series of neon works and lightboxes. Clients of both galleries will be invited to view the shows – virtually, and as restrictions ease, also in person with appropriate social distancing protocols in place. It is expected that new works will be added throughout the exhibitions – a response to the challenge that the artist has in completing works at a time when many of his suppliers are either closed, or have turned their production over to government requirements – but one which will add a dynamic element.