On Saturday, February 17 Rye Art Gallery (RAG) had the opening of Louis Turpin’s wonderful solo exhibition – ‘Onward Journey-Gardens and Landscapes’ in the first three galleries, showing until March 17. Other artists including work by Mick Rooney and Dominic Zwemmer, can be viewed in galleries 4,5 and 6.
This is Louis’s first solo exhibition at the gallery for two years and attracted a big crowd of locals, people from the Sussex / Kent borders, as well as further afield. It was, for everyone, a memorable morning to see him chatting to visitors and friends in a relaxed atmosphere with a glass of bubbly. They enjoyed his paintings (quite a few were bought) getting an insight into his practice of the art work, a painter much loved and appreciated over many years. His work is collected throughout the UK and also has a large following in the United States.
Private View, Saturday 17 Feb. 2024 Dr Julian Day and Louis Turpin
What made this show so remarkable was that Louis has had a two year break in which he was prevented from working at all because of being unwell. It was inspirational to see him return to his love of painting. This show features twenty works, including his vibrant paintings, ink on paper and drawings, reflecting some of the familiar subjects of flowers and nature.
There have been many pivotal moments in Louis’s life in art, spanning a 50 year career and working together with RAG. People expressed their love of his art, its beauty and change, visible in the paintings on show. It was a special meeting of minds and adding to the experience was the candle lit atmosphere as the electricity was cut off.
In September 2021 the gallery closed for the day for a talk by Louis to a private audience. He spoke about his journey through life, his love of colour, nature and the process of themes within his paintings and the influence of the artistic gardeners at Great Dixter which was very much appreciated by everyone present.
Rye Art Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 11-5, Sunday 11-4, Tuesday shut all day. For more information please go to ryeartgallery@gmail.com or phone: 01797 222 433
Image Credits: Louis Turpin/John Cole , John Cole , Dominic Zwemmer .