In the frame
Jul 7 2008 by The Journal
Harry Watton 1
Ben Robinson puts up-and-coming artist Harry Watton in the frame.
A TALENTED North East artist has won the backing of a gallery for his breakthrough solo exhibition.
Harry Watton, 24, has been given 900sqft of solo space in the Art Works Galleries, Stepney Bank, Newcastle.
The Northumbria University fine art graduate initially won the gallery’s regional competition and the prize was the chance to have a small exhibition space in the gallery.
But with Harry’s work impressing the punters, he has gone on to claim a spot in the gallery’s big solo section.
The artworks themselves are colourful and eye-catching takes on natural forms like plants and flowers.
Harry, of Simonside Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle, says: “I’m so pleased people like what I do. This is a great opportunity to get some more recognition and take my career to a new level.
“It is the first time I have been able to exhibit all of my work.”
Harry was busy in his Heaton studio finishing his new
Rachel Brown, gallery manager, was looking forward to seeing his new work. She said: “We are really confident about Harry’s work.
“He has had some really positive feedback from the public, and we are convinced his art will be an asset to the gallery.
“It is a great opportunity to get behind a local artist.”
Harry describes his style as being between graphic design and abstraction.
Rachel said: “When Harry won the Focused Eye competition about 300 people voted for his work out of an initial 80 contestants.
“The competition was an abstract one, but Harry’s work really stood out. People either love or hate abstract art, but Harry gets that cross-over appeal because he uses recognisable natural forms.”
The exhibition is taking place in one of the Art Works’ five galleries, the Solo Eye.
The space usually shows work by two or more artists but Harry is taking over the whole space until early August.
Originally from Scarborough, Harry moved to Newcastle five years ago to study at Northumbria. He knows he is lucky to be able to follow the career he studied for.
“There are a lot of great art graduates out there who still practise, but only get to show one or two paintings at a time,” he says.
“They struggle to make work because of the practicalities of time and money.
“But places like the Art Works Galleries are brilliant for supporting new artists.”
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