Vibrant colour, simplified forms, and a strong sense of perspective are key elements that define Nick Gerolemou’s distinctive style as a landscape painter. Best known for his acrylic paintings depicting scenes along the Bristol to Bath cycle path, to date he has enjoyed a number of group shows in and around Bristol where his work has been well received amongst the local art buying community.

Taking a step forward in 2008, Nick is embarking on his first solo show ‘The Edge of Tranquillity’ at the prestigious Chapel Row Gallery in Bath. As well work based on the nearby cycle path, Nick’s paintings take us to locations further a field; from the flat, open and desolate expanses of Dungeness on the Kent coast to the rolling hills and winding roads of Lippiano, on the Tuscan - Umbrian border in Italy. “These three locations contrast greatly” Nick explains, “but what firmly ties them together is that they all offer a place of ‘escape’ away from the humdrum of everyday life; a tranquil place to unwind, slow down, relax and obtain a different perspective”.

At a deeper level, what interests Nick most is the transient nature of the ‘getaway’ experience, be it relating to the sense of anticipation when approaching a new destination, or the awareness that the end of a relaxing holiday awaits. These thoughts are conveyed by the reoccurring motif of paths and roads evident in much of Nick’s work, which also help to portray a sense of travelling through the landscape without ever truly being able to stop. As the title of the show suggests, ‘The Edge of Tranquillity’ is about being on the edge of something wonderful, peaceful; being part of a place for a limited period of time but never fully embracing it or getting to know it on a permanent basis.

Nick often takes inspiration from the combination of a strong perspective viewpoint, dramatic light source and the contrasting textures of both man-made and natural forms in the landscapes; the harmonies between organised geometric shapes and the haphazard elements of nature. Often just the hint of a man-made structure within the landscape is enough to add a focal point or help lead the eye through a painting. “The strong lines of perspective disappearing into the distance from the redundant station platforms at Mangotsfield or the abandoned fishing boats on the shingle banks of Dungeness have been recurrent themes in my paintings as a result.”

‘The Edge of Tranquillity’ opens at the Chapel Row Gallery in Bath on the 23^rd May and runs for two weeks until 4^th June. Preview evening Friday 23^rd May 7-9.30pm.

Notes to Editors

Nick Gerolemou was born in Canterbury, Kent, UK in June 1969.

He studied art at Eastbourne College of Arts & Technology and later moved to Bristol where he obtained a BA Hons degree in Fine Art, the University of the West of England, in 1993.

Nick is married with one daughter and is currently living and working in Bristol. He has been a member of the Mivart Artists Group since 2004.

Nick is available on 07799766694 in the daytime.

Email: nick@nickgerolemou.co.uk

Website www.nickgerolemou.co.uk

Exhibition venue – Chapel Row Gallery, 6 Chapel Row, Queens Square, Bath BA1 1HN

Tel: 01225 480114