mercedes gil simon

Within my work I have three distinctive styles which have developed in a chronological sequence. Although they appear to be very different on the surface the three styles are linked by landscape - from impressionist, through abstract expressionist and onto surreal. The first series of paintings are scenes of urban centres such as Brighton and Madrid as well as other locations which have a personal connection for me. They have impressionist influences but also I have started to explore more abstract expressionistic avenues, using subtle and atmospheric combinations of colour to explore the emotional qualities of the public spaces I visit. The second series of paintings – ‘The Black Paintings’ – are evolved from black and white photographs. These are night scenes of Brighton, which I took in the early hours of the morning while it was still dark in order to capture the city’s unnerving calm. Exploring themes of Film Noir, these photographs/abstract landscapes convey an emotional and mysterious quality, creating highly evocative, atmospheric and subdued vistas. The final series of paintings – ‘Dreamscapes’ - are about Spanish iconography and symbolism, which is connected to my experience of growing up in my home country, Spain. I have set out to create different and complex narratives and other realities within these paintings, telling stories within stories; revealing plots whilst at the same time concealing them. Distinctly different to the ‘Black Paintings’, the Spanish paintings are awash with yellow sunshine implying the arid land and populated with lone bulls. On the whole my work acts as a vehicle to express and communicate my feelings and emotions, themes extracted from my life experiences, the landscapes I have explored as well as from figments of my imagination.