45 Park Lane hotel art on display mecher and rakerman cascade

Art and culture

Two visionary artists – Kirk Mechar and Rakerman

February 20, 2020

For our first art exhibition of 2020, we’re delighted to bring you not one but two visionary artists, in an exciting collaboration.

Introducing ‘Surface’

This eye-catching exhibition unites Mechar’s abstract floral-inspired works with Rakerman’s complex textural pieces, both playing with the idea of the visible and invisible. The result is an intriguing multi-dimensional space, which offers a thought provoking journey through shape, texture and tone.

Diverse appeal

Our two artists are worlds apart in their approach, artistic style, technique and personalities, yet brought together by a common theme. The idea is to see the initial ‘Surface’ but then explore the visual depth and enjoy a chance to think, to imagine and to be inspired.

2 large pieces of art hanging by Rakerman

Meet Mechar

Canadian artist Kirk Mechar is known for his ‘flower’ paintings and is defined by a continuing interest in patterns. For his Mosaic series, the original paintings are left to dry for at least two years before deconstructing and creating a finished artwork led by his creative instincts. Each one starts as a huge canvas before being cut down to provide the most impactful result.

3 large pieces of art hanging by Rakerman

Rakerman reinvents

London based artist Rakerman works around the world, inspired by both urban and rural landscapes to create wonderfully textural works. He often incorporates earth and sand collected on his travels into his images. Other works are formed by shredding paper that’s then arranged and drawn over, like you would a brass rubbing. His ‘Phone, Gas & Electricity’ piece uses his own utility bills in this way to great effect.

Great reactions

It’s interesting to observe reactions to these artworks. For example, many see Mechar ‘flowers’ as butterflies or don’t initially see the mosaics as individually selected pieces. Whereas Rakerman invites you to discover his own interpretation of his creations. Sometimes it’s only when a piece is finished that he decides what it is reminds him of and then invites the viewer to do the same.

Ways of working

Mechar often works on 20 to 30 pieces at any one time, partly as his way of dealing with the lengthy drying times and partly to revisit ideas afresh with renewed creativity. The mosaics are achieved by working with two canvases side by side and swapping squares between them. Rakerman’s approach is to always travel with a roll of paper so he’s ready whenever inspiration strikes. He’s got used to funny looks from passers-by and loves the idea of someone seeing his work and saying, “I’ve stood there and seen that too.”

‘Surface’ is presented in association with 4WALLS and is on display until April 27 in the Lobby Lounge and BAR 45 at 45 Park Lane. All artworks are available for sale.

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