EN 
Please do stop to see Curtis Holder’s incredible exhibition if you get the chance. Something Unspoken can be seen until January 24 in both the lobby area and BAR 45 at 45 Park Lane.
Art and culture
Solo Art Exhibition by Curtis Holder
December 21, 2021
Curtis Holder, winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2020, presents his first solo art exhibition, hosted at 45 Park Lane. Discover in his own words what drawing means to him and get a taste of what to expect at this striking show.
Childhood dream
Ever since I was a young child, I’ve always loved to draw. It’s a passion that’s stayed with me and I’m still happiest with a pencil in my hand. I often marvel at how something so simple can be used to convey any emotion and offer me endless storytelling opportunities. Appearing on television and winning Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2020, culminating in a commission to draw world-renowned ballet dancer Carlos Acosta, has been life-changing and enabled me to follow my dream.
From the moment I saw Curtis competing for the title of ‘Portrait Artist of the Year’ knew I wanted him to exhibit at 45 Park Lane.
John Scanlon
General Manager at 45 Park Lane
Way of working
I start every drawing with a conversation, which is a chance to glimpse into the mind of my subject and make a genuine connection with them. From the moment the conversation begins, so does the drawing. I work spontaneously and act instinctively. My goal is to show people’s emotions, along with my own observations. I want my artworks to have an honesty to them, to reflect the heartfelt conversations behind the images and highlight snapshots of other people’s lives.
Every stroke counts
I rarely erase lines I’ve drawn as they’re all part of the story, even when the narrative changes direction or I see things from a fresh perspective. I build tone and depth with complex layers of colour, injecting spontaneous lines to emphasise form or emotional intent, until I sense I’ve portrayed their story in a meaningful way. I’m naturally curious and I invite others to be curious when viewing my art.
It’s really striking how Curtis has taken the familiar art of pencil drawing and carved out his own niche by creating supersized images that capture your imagination.
Lily Ackerman
Art Curator at 45 Park Lane
Open to emotion
Having worked as a primary school teacher, I’ve learnt so much from children about creating art from the heart and staying true to yourself. As an artist, I’m dedicated to drawing out others’ emotions, creativity and individuality. If I can tune into how a sitter feels and they can recognise and relate to themselves in their portrait then I know I’ve done my job. It’s not unusual for people to react by bursting into tears but thankfully they’re usually happy tears or a wonderful sense of release.
Inspiration for Unspoken
The team at 45 Park Lane first contacted me during lockdown to discuss creating an exhibition. I visited the hotel as soon as I could and it struck me how homely it felt. I decided to gather a group of models at the hotel and spend time drawing them over the course of a few days. It was an intense experience but immensely rewarding, and it’s particularly exciting to see the images displayed in the setting that inspired them.
New projects
I’m currently considering several exciting new projects for 2022, including a series of group exhibitions in the UK. Most of all I’m looking forward to continuing to push my drawing forward in new ways. As an artist, I believe it’s fundamental to keep evolving and taking risks. Since ‘Portrait Artist of the Year’ I’ve made connections with some fascinating, diverse people in the fields of music, the arts and entertainment, and I can’t wait to develop those relationships and produce new work. Watch this space!
London
45 Park Lane
45 Park Lane is a vibrant beacon of contemporary culture in a luxury hotel. An invigorating blend of art and landmark architecture in the middle of classical London.
More like this
-
Art and culture Art exhibitions in Paris in 2023 -
Art and culture Your insider guide to Paris’s art scene -
Art and culture LA’s non-traditional gallery guide with Jim Hedges -
Art and culture Gray Malin’s Dogs at Hôtel Plaza Athénée -
Art and culture Musée d’Orsay with concierge Bertrand Kerzreho -
Art and culture An art lover’s guide to Rome, with Olimpia Isidori
Collect Magazine
View the latest issue of Collect, our bi-annual magazine featuring a curated mix of culture, art and lifestyle, together with the latest news from Dorchester Collection hotels.