Will St John at Saatchi Yates
Will St. John, a modern-day Renaissance maestro with a passion for painting that's as vibrant as the Bohemian spirit of New York itself. His journey led him from the cobblestone streets of Florence to the bustling art scenes of Europe, where he honed his craft in the footsteps of the great masters. Now, he's brought his artistic prowess back to the heart of the city that never sleeps. Artist’s style is as meticulous as it is passionate, and his paintings breathe life into the canvas with delicately fierce characters that dance on the edge of time. It's as if he's channeling the spirit of the French Rococo tradition, blending whimsy with sensuality, intricate brushwork with a palette of pastel dreams.
In the captivating world of Will St. John's artistry, Drag Queens and Trans models take center stage, sharing the limelight with antique porcelain figurines, trinkets, and ethereal phantoms. It's a fusion of classical elegance and contemporary audacity, a celebration of beauty in all its forms frozen in time as porcelain statues, snuff boxes, and lockets. Yet, beneath the refined surface, there's a rebellious spirit at play. Will's journey began in the hallowed halls of classical realism in Italy, but as he traversed the vibrant streets of New York, he discovered new horizons. His art reflects this evolution, a testament to the ever-changing tapestry of the contemporary New York art scene.
Last year, in a triumphant exhibition hosted by his longtime friend and actor, Adam Driver, Will St. John unveiled a series of portraits that left New York's art enthusiasts spellbound. In a nod to inclusivity and diversity, he chose to immortalize prominent transgender figures like actor Hari Nef, gallerist and musician Ruby Zarsky, and actress Patricia Black. It was a celebration of the Kings and Queens of New York Bohemia, those who dwell on the fringes of society, captured with the same reverence as the portraits of European nobility in centuries past. In the hands of Will St. John, art transcends time, tradition, and boundaries, inviting us all to embrace the beauty that thrives in the heart of the ever-evolving city he calls home.
Exhibition hall ground floor, Saatchi Yates, Burry Street
Baby, 2023 - right, You Will Never See Me Cry, 2023 - left
Deer Lady, 2023- left, Still Life With Masks after Emile Nolde, 2022- right
From left to right -The Locket, 2023, The Master, 2023, Singing Queen, 2022
Singing Queen, 2022 - left, Pipe Head, 2023 - right
Saatchi Yates
14 Bury Street, St James London SW1Y 6AL
14th September - 22d October 2023
Visit Gori Mora's London exhibition to explore surreal art that delves into queer identity and intimacy, featuring unique oil on perspex techniques.