Gill Hedleyback

Writer and Curator

Arthur Jeffress Gallery

Gill Hedley speaking at Site Gallery, Sheffield, in 2006

Manifesto

This manifesto will feature in the forthcoming biography of Arthur Jeffress.


ARTHUR JEFFRESS (PICTURES) is a Gallery with a unique policy. Its exhibitions will be devoted to:


SUNDAY PAINTING, TROMPE L'OEIL and MAGIC REALISM

These terms cover a wide field of creative endeavour, and signify traditional but inexhaustible modes of beholding. The artists approach reality in a spirit of approval, and in rich and unpredictable imagery they mirror a world we all recognize.


SUNDAY PAINTING

This designates the art of people who have had little or no instruction in drawing and painting, but are impelled by the sense of wonder to challenge the laws of gravity and perspective and make unorthodox yet enchantingly communicative records of their response to history and geography and the events of the day.


TROMPE L'OEIL

The illusionistic art known as TROMPE L'OEIL employs high finish, extreme precision of detail, and effects of stereoscopy and optical surprise to create an immaculate world of stillness and deep silence. It is the art of transforming the object without altering its appearance.


MAGIC REALISM

This is an art in which actuality and fantasy are inextricably intertwined. It is realism enriched by dream and nostalgia, and steeped in the mystery of the human condition.


A long series of exhibitions has already been planned. Many fascinating and unusual aspects of these arts of poetic representation will be explored, and it is hoped that Arthur Jeffress (Pictures) will make a distinctive and pleasing addition to the picture galleries of London.