Paul Butterworth

Profile

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Paul Butterworth, a 2024 graduate of the University for the Creative Arts, made a notable impression with his solo show at Cambridge Art Space in 2023, an exceptional accomplishment for an artist yet to complete his studies. His work celebrates colour and emotion, embodying his belief in art’s transformative power.

Butterworth describes his work as centered on joy, aiming to “make your soul sing.” His canvases, which he calls “visual villanelles” or “colour symphonies,” combine structured composition with spontaneous expression. He views colour as a sculptural medium, creating a physical, visceral experience that constantly evolves. His goal is to envelop viewers in happiness, likening the sensation to “having a shower in a rainbow.”

Butterworth’s exploration of colour can be seen as comparable to the practices of contemporary artists like Yinka Shonibare and David Batchelor. Shonibare’s vibrant use of colour often explores themes of identity and post-colonialism, while Butterworth focuses on eliciting joy and a sense of universal connection. Similarly, Batchelor’s examination of the materiality and philosophy of colour resonates with Butterworth’s approach, treating colour as a substantial, emotive force.

In this tradition, Butterworth uses colour as a language to convey deep emotions, inviting viewers to experience a space of pure, unadulterated joy.

Artist Statement

I want my art to shift and shape the soul... colours that dance on the canvas and make the soul sing. I create from my subconscious directly onto the canvas and want to connect directly with my viewers' subconscious so that my work connects and moves them.