Art / Centrespace Gallery
Debut exhibition of abstract and expressionist work from lockdown painter Josh Carson
Josh Carson’s childhood memories are imbued with a rich sense of “the music, the street art, the chaotic energy” of 70s and 80s New York City, where he grew up.
Crossing the pond to the UK, Carson is now a resident of Bristol, where he has worked as a food trader for six years, “allowing me to experience being part of the vibrant Bristol community”.
He will be presenting his first exhibition, You Can’t Get it Wrong, at Centrespace Gallery, on March 18-23, which brings together acrylics on canvas as well as mixed media works, and ink on paper, all created over the last 18 months.
is needed now More than ever
34th and Lex, from the Centrespace exhibition You Can’t Get it Wrong – photo: Josh Carson
He was inspired by remembered imagery from New York, as well as the sights and sounds accumulated while living in Bristol. But Carson would not until recently have described himself as an artist.
Presented with paints by his wife in 2020, Carson soon found a new, and revelatory, creative outlet.
“Discovering painting during that initial UK lockdown was a real help to me. I think a lot of people found that being creative in some way helped them to get through things.
“My wife gave me some paint as a distraction to be honest, three pots – red, yellow and blue, and after that, it took on a life of its own.”
Temple Meads, from You Can’t Get it Wrong – photo: Josh Carson
Initial nerves about not being good enough soon gave way to what Carson sums up as “the joy and freedom” that making art can unlock.
“I began to realise that the creative process, being able to express myself in a visual way, was what mattered most and that in fact you can’t get it wrong – hence the name of the gallery show.
“I hope people will enjoy looking at what I’ve produced and find something to connect with in my work. Painting has changed my life for the better and I can’t imagine not doing this every day.”
I is HE, from You Can’t Get it Wrong – photo: Josh Carson
Josh Carson: You Can’t Get it Wrong is at Centrespace Gallery on March 18-23 with a private view on March 18 at 6-9pm; otherwise open daily from 12-6pm. The exhibition is free to attend.
Main photo: Josh Carson: Look how much you’ve upset your mother
Read more: Martina Glastonbury presents her solo exhibition at Centrespace Gallery
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