Ian Mckeever - Henge Paintings

Ian McKeever is a British artist who has been working on the international stage for over five decades. His Henge paintings, inspired by prehistoric standing stones in Wiltshire, England, are an exploration into the languages and possibilities of abstract painting. The series comprises thirty paintings and numerous works on paper and was completed over five years. The publication documents the series and accompanies exhibitions of selected works at galleries in 2022. McKeever's work is represented in leading international public collections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2022
Publisher: Anomie Publishing

Ian McKeever, a renowned British artist with a career spanning over five decades, stands as a prominent figure on the international stage. This publication presents a comprehensive documentation of his Henge paintings, a series initiated in 2017 and concluded over a span of five years. Inspired by prehistoric standing stones found in the county of Wiltshire, England, the Henge paintings continue McKeever's longstanding exploration into the languages and possibilities of abstract painting.

Comprising thirty paintings and numerous works on paper, the genesis of this series can be traced back to a visit by McKeever to the world-famous Neolithic site in the village of Avebury in 2016. During this visit, he took black and white photographs of the large stones that form three distinct circles: two smaller ones nestled within the largest. Erected approximately 4500 years ago, Avebury stands as the largest stone circle in Britain and is part of what English Heritage claims to be a vast sacred landscape.

Art historian and curator Paul Moorhouse, in his essay commissioned for the publication, delves into how McKeever approached the megaliths, capturing them in close-up with their edges visible at the extremity of the resulting images. Moorhouse explains how the experience of moving around Avebury and responding to the immense presence of the stones left a lasting impression that resonated with McKeever's deep-seated preoccupations.

The resulting body of work by McKeever represents an earnest and thoughtful exploration into the expressive potential of paint. Through his meticulous use of color, texture, and abstraction, he seeks to convey universal forces and properties such as mass, gravity, and time. Moreover, he explores how these elements can engage in a dialogue with three-dimensional space, form, and materiality.

McKeever's work also delves into the relationship between painting and sculpture, a subject that is explored through an in-conversation between the artist and D. The conversation sheds light on the ways in which McKeever combines the two mediums, creating a seamless blend of visual elements that evoke a sense of depth and dimensionality.

In conclusion, Ian McKeever's Henge paintings constitute a remarkable testament to his artistic journey, showcasing his profound understanding of the expressive possibilities of abstract painting. Through his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to exploring the boundaries of artistic expression, McKeever has created a body of work that invites viewers to engage with the world on a deeper level. The Henge paintings serve as a testament to his enduring legacy as a visionary artist who continues to push the boundaries of artistic discourse.

Weight: 696g
Dimension: 248 x 287 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910221419