The Tactile Language of Paint
Andrew Graves’s art delves deeply into the physical act of painting, treating touch as a fundamental aspect of his process. Far from merely applying color to canvas, Graves’s approach intertwines movement, texture, and subtle, tactile impressions that emerge as his brush interacts with the surface. Every stroke carries a sense of discovery, as though each application of paint seeks meaning through its connection to the canvas. His compositions emerge in layers, building an experience that feels transient yet solid, as if the piece could extend beyond its borders in a continuous story. By fostering this nuanced relationship between his brush and the medium, Graves constructs works that appear to almost create themselves, growing organically through the rhythm of touch.
Graves’s work invites viewers into an intimate space, drawing them close to examine intricate layers and fine details. Rather than offering a sweeping view or narrative overview, he chooses to immerse the viewer in a place so up-close that each brushstroke, curve, and texture becomes personal. This sense of proximity allows Graves’s audience to explore the artwork in a way that feels as though they are stepping into the painting itself, surrounded by the textures and colors he has shaped. His art beckons spectators to enter this “landscape” he crafts—a place where physical presence and color interact dynamically, creating a tangible space where viewers might feel tempted to reach out and touch.
In a realm often dominated by the grandiose, Graves’s subtlety achieves a unique intensity, and his modern, focused approach speaks to centuries-old traditions while also resonating with contemporary minimalism. He finds inspiration in artists like Luc Tuymans, whose work evokes memories and places with a delicate, almost hushed intensity. For Graves, this quiet power becomes a means of situating the viewer “at the base” of a place, as he describes it—like standing at the foot of a mountain. The influence of Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire echoes here, with Graves creating landscapes that feel timeless and immediate, capturing both place and time in a single frame.
Andrew Graves: The Impact of Early Abstraction
Early abstraction played a transformative role in shaping Graves’s creative path, guiding his methods in both color and form. Artists like Kandinsky and members of the Bloomsbury Group profoundly influenced his approach, encouraging him to rethink traditional portrayals of space. Patrick Heron, in particular, brought the possibilities of color and form into focus for Graves, demonstrating how both elements could define a piece’s spatial depth without depicting recognizable subjects. Inspired by these pioneers, Graves describes his work as “formal experimentation,” a journey of exploring color and form that can hint at landscapes or interiors without relying on literal representation. His art opens up a world of abstraction where interpretation becomes as personal as the viewer’s own experiences.
This fascination with abstraction fuels Graves’s exploration of how paint, color, and texture can transform flat surfaces into dimensional, immersive scenes. Rather than adhere to a fixed plan, Graves allows each piece to evolve organically, treating his canvas as a dynamic space where ideas can shift and re-form. This flexibility allows the work to be a living record of experimentation, a quality Graves finds particularly appealing in early abstract works. His art prompts viewers to connect in their own unique ways, encouraging a personal dialogue as they interpret the meanings that emerge from his compositions.
For Graves, color serves as an essential language within his works, operating on a fundamental level that speaks directly to viewers. Through layering and experimentation, he uses hue and saturation to suggest depths and shapes that subtly reference real landscapes or environments. By positioning his colors in dialogue with one another, Graves cultivates a sense of movement and rhythm within the stillness of his pieces. This quality makes his work feel immediate and engaging, inviting viewers to step into his world and experience an abstract landscape defined by shifting colors and evolving forms.
The Materiality of Painting
Materials play a vital role in how Andrew Graves brings his compositions to life, with each piece drawing upon a carefully chosen combination of oils, pigments, and textured surfaces. Working primarily with oil paints, he enhances his practice by experimenting with linseed oil, damar varnish, and other mediums that allow him to manipulate depth and surface effects. Graves’s process is highly attuned to the preparation of his panels, with some pieces created on professionally made panels, while others utilize his own handmade bases prepared with acrylic or traditional gesso made from rabbit glue and plaster. This detailed preparation ensures that each surface reacts uniquely to his brushstrokes, granting every composition a distinct character.
Graves’s recent interest in using soft pastels on textured paper expands his exploration into new materials, experimenting with how each surface interacts with the pigments. His compositions come alive as he tests how different textures can alter the adherence and feel of his materials, allowing new aspects of touch and color to emerge. This ongoing exploration of mediums reflects his commitment to understanding how each element of the painting process can contribute to the final work. His attention to the interaction between material and medium brings a palpable richness to his art, where the viewer can sense the layered process that went into each creation.
Revision remains a cornerstone of Graves’s artistic approach, where every piece is subject to adjustments and rethinking. Often beginning with a concept in mind, he allows himself the freedom to make changes or even restart if the piece leads him in an unexpected direction. This openness to transformation brings a fluidity to his work, capturing the inherent tension and exploration of the creative process. Graves’s revisions are visible in the final artwork, giving viewers a glimpse into his decision-making and the layering that defines his aesthetic. This approach results in work that feels both dynamic and alive, resonating with the energy of a process that is forever evolving.
Andrew Graves: Abstraction as Endurance
Graves’s connection to abstraction transcends mere style, tying into a deeper metaphor he explored during his PhD—a concept he compares to the endurance and dedication of a racing cyclist. In his doctoral thesis, A User’s Guide for Painters and Cyclists: Very Abstract Painting and Serious Cycling, he examined how the steady focus required in painting mirrors the commitment of a cyclist navigating terrain over time. The mental and physical demands of each discipline reflect each other, as both require resilience, a willingness to push through resistance, and an appreciation of the journey itself. This metaphor influences Graves’s studio practice, emphasizing process over finality, where each painting serves as another stride on his creative journey.
Exhibitions offer Graves a moment to see his work anew, reshaping his understanding and pushing him toward evolution. His recent participation in the Abstract Colour exhibition at Marlborough Gallery, curated by Lewis Dalton Gilbert, gave him a fresh perspective on how color interacts within his pieces. Another significant show was Hidden UK, Hidden Ireland, curated by Sean Scully at Flowers Gallery, which explored the sense of place in abstract painting, reinforcing Graves’s dedication to creating works that evoke a tangible presence. These exhibitions serve as markers in his journey, where the dialogue with other artists and the audience continues to shape his approach to abstraction.
Bridget Riley and Walter Price serve as recent influences who continue to inspire Graves’s exploration. Riley’s precise manipulation of color and rhythm in her pieces from the 1960s deeply resonates with him, encouraging him to refine his own techniques. A recent Riley exhibition at David Zwirner reminded him of her commitment to visual rhythm, reinforcing the importance of precision and depth in his own work. Walter Price, with his innovative techniques displayed at Camden Arts Centre, inspires Graves to challenge his habits and embrace experimentation, continually pushing the boundaries of his practice. As Graves prepares for upcoming group exhibitions, he is energized by the evolving language of abstraction, eager to see where this continuous journey through color, form, and touch will lead him next.
