My work is primarily large-scale acrylic paintings and pastel drawings. I explore my everyday experiences and the situations I find myself in. I then use these observations to create flat and patterned compositions.
My use of colour has been described as spontaneous, using my palette to express the feelings and emotions I want to create.
I use recognisable symbols in my work to give visual references to the subjects I’ve chosen. They are like news images in a “more abstract” than true to life way.
I have nurtured an interest in art and art history, with references like Frank Auerbach and Chris Ofili, whilst visiting exhibitions across London.
My recent work is inspired by the inequalities of society and what is happening in the world around me, in regards to politics, social change, marginalisation and the impact of recent events in our society.
We live by rules and regulations that say you can’t do this and you can’t do that. In my paintings I am trying to tell people how this makes me feel and open up the debate.
Thompson Hall is a Resident Artist at ActionSpace
What was your journey into the arts?
- Drawing at school, around 12 years old
- Drawing at home all the time
- Drawing from television, magazines – cars, people in films, etc
- I remember drawing people in “American Werewolf in London” because I liked the location and thought the story was unusual
- Art teacher spotted my work and thought it was unique and encouraged me to do more drawing
- After school I was introduced to ActionSpace by my Social Worker who knew I was interested in art. I have been part of ActionSpace’s Central London studio for over 18 years
- I am proud of the way my art practice has developed, the artwork I have created and projects I have been involved in, particularly my artist residency at Autograph in 2021
What are your goals for the London network?
I would like to see more opportunities for artists like me who did not come through the usual art school route to exhibit their work in galleries and other public spaces
What inspires you?
- Going to museums and galleries and draw paintings or sculptures in my sketchbook
- Reading about other artists to learn how they work
- Frank Auerbach – how he paints pictures of buildings. They are not exactly accurate, but abstract
- Chiam Soutine – I remember reading at Tate Modern about how he mixes the colours
- Antony Caro – how he makes sculptures with bright colours
- I saw Sean Scully’s Sea Star exhibition at National Gallery in 2019 and really liked it
- Althea McNish – the colours and patterns of her fabrics
Why should people join CVAN London?
Especially Artists...
- Have their voices heard
- Networks and sharing practice
- Change the art world and make it more diverse and inclusive
