Artists Open
Houses May 2024
4,5 & 6 | 11&12 | 18&19 | 25, 26 & 27
This is an archive of the May 2024 open house festival. View all
9 Alejez art & Barry’s artefacts
Flat 5, 16 Brunswick Square, Brighton, BN3 1EH
Two neighbourly venues. Upstairs find alej ez art, my very own artist residence. At the ground floor flat, browse through Barry’s World curiosities and treasures. Be the first to see my new body of work of light and colour through loved landscapes of the South Downs, captivating coastal scenes, formal fun architectural prints and more. I work from my original monochrome drawing with digital pigment added to make limited edition prints. Love life, love art!
Type of venue:
house
Facilities
Workshops/demonstrations
Card Payment Facility
Tap water refill available
Archived open house
Location:
Flat 5, 16 Brunswick Square, Brighton, BN3 1EH
Palace Pier Lights Starling Murmuration
alej ez
Palace Pier Lights Starling Murmuration. This enchanting artwork captures the essence of a nostalgic and dreamlike evening, bathed in the warm hues of a sunset over Brighton Seafront from the iconic Palace Pier deck. Above, a jubilant murmuration of starlings dances in the sky, spreading joy before finding their cosy roost amidst the intricate ironwork of this historic Victorian marvel. On the horizon, the remnants of the West Pier stand proudly, bearing witness to the passage of time
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
Size 04 £40, A3 £52, A2 £132, A1 £180, A0 £310. Prices Feb 2024
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Starling Love Brighton Palace Pier. Print Description: Capturing the breathtaking scenery of Brighton Seafront from the Palace Pier's deck, where a gathering of people anticipates the starling murmuration just before sunset. Bird Enthusiast: This print, unveiled on February 14, 2024, Valentine's Day, acquires the term 'love' in its title for a special reason. Love, in its diverse manifestations: an affection for nature, the starlings, the sea. Adoration for the captivating landscapes at sunset, such as the one in my residence on Brighton Seafront. Love between individuals, as this print joyously acknowledges. Love for family, partners, and friends, and self-love represented by the solitary figure, marveling at the world, feeling truly alive. To illustrate these starlings, I meticulously observed their behaviors and forms. Throughout the year, I frequented the Palace Pier just before sunset, studying these delightful birds as they created mesmerizing murmurations. Titled 'Starlings in Motion,' my study sketches portray the varied shapes they assume while gliding, ascending, turning, approaching directly, hovering over the waves, or passing high in the sky. The individuals depicted in my print were fellow spectators of the starlings, included to enhance the overall experience of witnessing these captivating displays on many winter evenings alongside fellow bird enthusiasts. The artwork also conveys the vital message of living in harmony with the surrounding nature and our collective responsibility to care for it.
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
Size 04 £40, A3 £52, A2 £132, A1 £180, A0 £310. Prices Feb 2024
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Print Description: The majestic Phoenix soars above the Brighton Pavilion amidst a flutter of Asian butterflies. A few years back, I conceived a design featuring South Asian dragons gracefully flying over the Pavilion. Expanding on this theme, I present this new opulent print introducing another resident of the Pavilion, the phoenix. Phoenix Art: Within the confines of the Brighton Royal Pavilion, an array of mythical creatures grace its interiors, with numerous phoenix birds adorning wood panels, framed canvases, sumptuous carpets, and gold velvety painted wallpapers. This print pays homage to a specific phoenix, inspired by the one gracing the Saloon carpet. The original design, commissioned by King George IV, was crafted by Robert Jones and executed by Samuel Whitty of Axminster, Devon, for the Saloon in 1822. Butterflies: 18th-century Chinese Hand-painted Wallpaper: In my rendition, I release this vibrant entity into the sky above the Pavilion's colourful onion domes, crenellations, tent roofs, and finials, accompanied by whimsical butterflies. These butterflies mirror the patterns found on the Chinese wallpaper adorning Queen Victoria's Bedroom, likely created by anonymous artisans in Canton (present-day Guangzhou), China. The wallpaper, imported into Europe by the East India Company, depicts exotic indoor gardens teeming with floral motifs, trees, birds, and stylised gardens, all set against the delicate flutter of butterflies. Wallpaper Border: Completing the composition, I've framed my design with a captivating border motif reminiscent of the Pavilion's Music Room Gallery. Dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century, this grey-ground Chinese paper, likely originating from Canton, is accentuated by cut-out strips of English block-printed bamboo-patterned wallpaper and an English block-printed floral border.
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
Size 04 £40, A3 £52, A2 £132, A1 £180, A0 £310. Prices Feb 2024
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Jasmine and Sweet William Brighton Pavilion. Print Description: Presenting an architectural elevation of the Brighton Royal Pavilion, enveloped by gardens adorned with fragrant jasmine and sweet William. Within these verdant bushes, birds gracefully take flight, creating a lively spectacle. The sky above mirrors intricate Japanese patterns, with spring trees bursting into bloom. Homage to Hokusai: This print serves as a tribute to one of my most revered artists, Hokusai, for two compelling reasons. Firstly, the motifs I've crafted pay homage to the exquisite natural patterns depicted by Hokusai—clouds, blooming branches, flowering bushes, birds, and the geometric backdrop. Secondly, the method employed in creating this design draws inspiration from Hokusai's mastery as a revolutionary printmaker. Leveraging modern technologies, I have recreated a printmaking approach reminiscent of Hokusai's artistry. My process involved producing distinct sheets of original ink drawings, which later coalesce into a unified motif. This technique is evident in the studio photograph showcasing my ink drawings. For instance, the creation of branches involved four separate drawings: one for the block colour, another for the bark pattern, the third for the flowers, and the fourth for the leaves. I find joy in expressing the patterns of nature in art—a natural interplay of repetition with variation, a code embedded in the DNA of every living being.
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
Size 04 £40, A3 £52, A2 £132, A1 £180, A0 £310. Prices Feb 2024
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Beacon Mill Rottingdean to Brighton. Print Description: A captivating panorama unfolds, showcasing the view from Rottingdean to Brighton, encompassing Beacon Mill and extending towards the sea. Notable landmarks dotting the scene include the Blind Veterans Building, Roedean School, Brighton Marina, and Brighton itself. In July 2022, the Grange, Rottingdean Heritage Art Gallery, hosted a remarkable exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of William Nicholson's birth. Titled 'A Was an Artist,' the exhibition delved into Nicholson's life in Rottingdean during the initial quarter of the last century. This extraordinary show featured numerous paintings and prints by the artist. Subsequently, later that same year, I had the pleasure of presenting a delightful solo exhibition at this venue. Now, with immense excitement, I announce my return with another solo show scheduled for autumn 2024, running from November 13 to 24. The anticipation builds, and I'm thrilled to have ample time for preparation, commencing with the finalisation of this exquisite new panoramic print.
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
£192 dimensions 124 x 30 cm
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Gorse Bloom at Cuckmere Cottages As the early days of spring approach, the delicate scent of gorse blossom fills the air, blanketing the South Downs National Park in a magnificent display of color. Our print captures a breathtaking view from the cliffs overlooking Cuckmere, showcasing the iconic Coastguard Cottages, South Gap, and Seaford Head. The focal point of this artwork is the blooming gorse, commanding attention over the sea, sky, and enchanting chalk cliffs depicted in this scene. At the start of the year, I embarked on the journey of creating our latest print. It all began with a thoughtful curation process, sifting through my collection of countryside photographs captured during various walks. From there, I sketched out a loose composition concept, taking note of details like movement, subjects, tonality, and planes. This initial phase laid the groundwork for the meticulous craftsmanship involved in producing multiple ink base drawings. These drawings were then scanned and digitally enhanced with color, refining my original concept into a captivating digital collage.
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
Size 04 £40, A3 £52, A2 £132, A1 £180, A0 £310. Prices Feb 2024
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Cuckmere Cottages at Old Green, Seven Sisters Cliffs. This artwork captures a cherished stroll along the enchanting Sussex Coast, presenting an iconic and grandiose vista where the pure white chalk cliffs meet the sea in a seamless fusion of human presence and natural beauty. This dynamic landscape undergoes constant transformation with the shifting seasons and the capriciousness of the weather, with the vibrant gorse in full bloom heralding the onset of early spring. At the heart of my creative process lies the methodical crafting of ink drawings, meticulously brought to life through digital enhancement with color. Adhering to the principles of traditional printmaking, I prioritize the integrity of design before introducing hues, allowing ample room for creative exploration and experimentation, unrestricted by any signature color constraints. In anticipation of my upcoming exhibition at The Grange in November 2024, I've immersed myself in the works of William Nicolson, drawing inspiration from his masterful techniques in color and composition. While my expertise may not match his, this study enriches my own artistic journey. Yet, my influences extend far and wide, spanning from the mesmerizing woodblock prints of Hokusai, with their captivating depictions of flora and fauna, to the ethereal landscapes illuminated by the radiant luminescence found in the works of Samuel Palmer. During my wanderings, I often find myself drawing parallels between my surroundings and the creations of diverse artists. Whether it's remarking on the resemblance to a Ravilious painting or sensing the ambiance reminiscent of Julian Trevelyan's artistry, or even feeling the tranquil spirit evoked by Ivon Hitchens, viewing the world through the lens of art deepens my connection to the surroundings, transcending mere sensory perception.
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
Size 04 £40, A3 £52, A2 £132, A1 £180, A0 £310. Prices Feb 2024
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Print Title: Glyndebourne Lake Leben Print Description: Immerse yourself in the vibrancy of a summer day by the lake at Glyndebourne with this captivating artwork. Picture the lake as a dynamic stage, akin to the grandeur of an opera performance. Through my print, I envision transforming the tranquil waters into a mesmerizing setting, illuminated by the exuberance of summer. In my design, the daisies symbolize us, the audience, eagerly anticipating the enchanting spectacle of life's music and dance unfolding upon the lake. Print Details: Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this print begins with individual ink drawings meticulously arranged to form a collage, culminating in the final masterpiece. After scanning the drawings, I infuse them with vibrant color digitally. The original design exists solely in digital format and is printed using archival inks and paper. This design is released as a limited edition print, available in standard 'A' sizes, ranging from A0 (84.1 cm x 118.9 cm) to A4 (21 x 29.7 cm). About Glyndebourne Opera Festival: Glyndebourne, nestled in the picturesque Sussex countryside, is a renowned English country house and the esteemed venue for the annual Glyndebourne Festival Opera since 1934. A cherished tradition during opera intervals involves picnicking in the scenic gardens. One of my favorite spots is at the lake's edge, offering a picturesque view of the auditorium. Inspiration Behind the Design: Inspired by enchanting evenings at the Gothic Temple in Stowe during 2020, I sought to capture the essence of that magical experience in this print. At sunset, I was captivated by the graceful dance of mayflies, which served as the muse for this artwork. The Artistic Process: In bringing this design to life, I drew inspiration from depictions of the natural world across diverse cultures and eras. Elements such as Chinese butterflies from 18th-century wallpaper at the Brighton Royal Pavilion, Japanese art featuring dragonflies, and the exquisite illustrations of English artist E. Ennion all influenced the composition. The result is a vibrant celebration of life by the lake, featuring a lively cast of newts, dragonflies, mayflies, a grasshopper, and butterflies frolicking among the oxeye daisies.
alej ez
Digital Pigment print from my original ink monochrome drawings, colour added digitally.
Size 04 £40, A3 £52, A2 £132, A1 £180, A0 £310. Prices Feb 2024
Buy/contact