Off Beat

Off Beat

12 December 2023 - 18 January 2024

Venue

The Kenny Gallery, Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1PX

Date

12 December 2023 - 18 January 2024

THIS EXHIBITION HAS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE VIEW OUR CURRENT AND UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS.

Explore the vibrant world of John Eaves RWA's artistic journey through an exhibition featuring his paintings, drawings, and collages, curated by Nick Moore. Spanning fifty years, this collection provides a captivating glimpse into the diverse themes and materials that have shaped John's creative expression. 

John describes his paintings as 'non-figurative,' emphasizing their connection to the natural geometry of the landscape rather than being purely 'abstract.' Known for his improvisational approach, he embraces the unexpected in the painting process, steering clear of meticulous planning or rigid geometric structures. 

A resident of Bath for most of his life, John draws inspiration from the city's dynamic rhythms, likening it to a musical composition. He sees the terraces as musical staves, looping around with criss-cross rhythms and zig-zags that echo the hills' undulating contours. 

In addition to his paintings, this exhibition sheds light on John's versatility as a ceramic artist and improvisational musician. Artefacts from both facets of his life are on display, providing a comprehensive view of his multifaceted creative journey. 

John Eaves in his studio

Image: John Eaves in his studio

This is a free exhibition in the Kenny Gallery, upstairs at the RWA, and runs alongside our major exhibition, the 170 Annual Open Exhibition (ticketed)

Join exhibition curator, Nick Moore, for a FREE tour of this exhibition on Saturday 16 December 10 am - 11am. More information here

Lead image: Floating Blues by John Eaves, watercolour collage

Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with RWA news

Related

Paule Vézelay: Living Lines

Discover the pioneering modernist Paule Vézelay, a Bristol-born, internationally important figure in 20th-century art.

RWA Biennial Open 2025: Paper Works

Discover the limitless possibilities of paper in the RWA Biennial Open: Paper Works. With invited artist, Ian McKeever RA.

Into the Blue

An exhibition curated by History of Art MA students from the University of Bristol.

RWA 171 Annual Open Exhibition

Now in its 171st year, the RWA brings you the Annual Open Exhibition, showcasing some of the most exciting artists from across the country and beyond.