Pete McKee is a Sheffield artist. Born in 1966, his unfussy artwork is characterised by humour and nostalgia as he explores imagery from his life in this northern city. It is a city that he loves and hailing from a working class community he is out to create affectionate paintings of that world. He is not an outsider looking in. He is an insider looking out.
Pete McKee sometimes visits my local pub with two or three of his mates. Last year he survived a life-saving liver transplant. Next month his new exhibition "This Class Works" will open in a former school building on Burton Road. I am very much looking forward to visiting it. If you would like to learn more about Pete McKee, please go here. In the meantime, here are some examples of his work:
 |
| "Old Cobble Nose" |
 |
| "The Snog" - mural on the wall of Fagan's pub |
I like these, and I wonder whether Steve knew his work - sadly, I can't ask him, but I am pretty sure that he would have liked it. The "Best of Sheff" book looks like a great gift. I also like the title of the exhibition. Such a lot in there.
ReplyDeleteI think that's you and Steve on the pub wall!
DeleteThere is a simplicity in the storytelling of each picture.
ReplyDeleteAchieving that simplicity is not an easy thing to do.
DeleteI love to see the average person represented in art. And our best friends, too!
ReplyDeleteEven ordinary people are worth noting, worth celebrating even though in past times Art would often overlook them.
DeleteThat's an interesting statement YP. I think that looking at the pictures in most art galleries you would see a great many pictures with and of 'ordinary' people from the Dutch Masters, The Glasgow Boys (and girls), Lowry and many many more. However you have made me think and next time I'm perusing the pictures in The Kelvingrove (or later in the year in Liverpool) I shall be particularly vigilant. Thanks for the new perspective.
DeleteI love The National Portrait Gallery in London but "ordinary" people are thin on the ground there.
DeleteI would agree that portraits were the preserve, on the whole, of the wealthy (understandably because painters had to make a living) although the Glasgow Boys certainly painted 'ordinary' Scots.
DeleteExcellent! I especially like the mural. His work really lends itself to a street-art style presentation.
ReplyDeleteYes. I can see what you mean Steve.
DeleteI like his style - so clean and simple.
ReplyDeleteAnd it is a very recognisable style too. He usually uses "Dulux" emulsion paint!
DeleteHe's good, Mr. Pudding. His colors are lovely and bright.
ReplyDeleteIt's simple, affectionate "feel good" painting.
DeleteThank you for that I don't know his work
ReplyDeleteI hope those pictures brought you a little cheer during this tough time.
DeleteThey do nothing for me...just an individual, personal observation, of which I am allowed.
ReplyDeleteThe content of your blog is exactly what I needed, I like your blog, I sincerely hope that your blog a rapid increase in traffic density, which help promote your blog and we hope that your blog is being updated.
ReplyDeleteดูหนัง