Now Open | Ian Stephenson: Planes of Heaven

Last Saturday the New Art Centre welcomed a large number of guests to celebrate the opening of Ian Stephenson: Planes of Heaven, a major exhibition showing across several galleries at Roche Court. The work of Ian Stephenson is the result of a practice informed by curiosity. By discovering how falling paint can form different spaces and conglomerations of innumerable marks, he created intricate and mesmerising images, whilst asking questions of the nature of the universe, its infinite bounds, and our place within it. The esteemed director of the Holburne Museum, Dr Chris Stephens opened the exhibition, marking the occasion with a speech that articulated the enduring nuance and wonder of Stephenson's work:

'The balance of the composition comes from (Stephenson's) movement around the canvas, not from him visually determining where to make his marks. There is almost this surrealist, unconscious side to the work, but it ends up with this beautiful balance. Balance, and the tensions that arise from it, are so crucial to the success of these paintings. They are paintings that draw you in, but also push you out. The space is constantly moving... The extraordinary thing about these paintings is that fundamental tension between something solid and something ephemeral. This is not just about nature and light, there is something much deeper; the sign of their greatness is that they do not just make you see the world differently, they make you see yourself differently. They open up questions about our place in the world.' (Chris Stephens)

The day was made all the more special by the company of Ian Stephenson's family, as well as many of his students from his time as Director of the post-graduate painting course at the Chelsea School of Art, who shared with us stories of the artist, remembering the kindness, sensitivity and curiosity that is so palpable in his work.

We extend a warm welcome to all visitors to come and experience this exhibition, which will run until the 13th September. To book a visit, or to find out more, please enquire below:

Guests gathered in front of the Main Gallery at the opening of Ian Stephenson: Planes of Heaven