PRESS RELEASE GALLERY OF STARS ... - Royal Albert Hall

PRESS RELEASEGALLERY OF STARS EXHIBITED AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALLPhoto real paintings of famous musicians to be shown at iconic venueJoe Simpson: Musician PortraitsTuesday 29 May – Sunday 10 JuneRoyal Albert Hallxx April 2012: Figurative painter Joe Simpson will be displaying his series of photo-realpaintings featuring contemporary music icons in partnership with UK Charity the Royal AlbertHall this summer.The exhibition sees the celebrities captured in incredible detail in a range of situations andposes, from close personal moments at home, to moments backstage when getting ready forthe frenetic action of live performance.Joe’s Musician Portraits exhibition, which features Brandon Flowers, Mark Ronson, PalomaFaith, Maxi Jazz, David Gray, Jamie Cullum and Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend) amongothers, will be displayed as part of the Hall’s reflect series from Tuesday 29 May- Sunday 10June.

Head of Programming, Lucy Noble comments: “We’re incredibly lucky to be exhibiting Joe’spaintings, some of which have been shown in the best galleries in the world. The exhibitionmarks our latest instalment in the reflect series, which aims to provide greater access to thearts by showcasing bodies of work from a broad selection of artists”.There are 22 paintings in this free exhibition, each piece Oil on Canvas, sized 60 x 60 cm.Joe approached his favourite musicians from a wide range of musical genres and nationalitiesto include in the series. Once the subjects agreed to be included, Joe met up with each artistto take original photographs to work from to create an original oil painting.Over a year in the making, the project has taken Joe all over the country - to visiting themusician’s houses and studios, to backstage at arena concerts and festivals and as far asLas Vegas to meet Brandon Flowers. Joe’s portrait of Maxi Jazz from the series wasshortlisted for the prestigious BP Portrait Award 2011. The painting has been exhibited at TheNational Portrait Gallery in an exhibition which has been the most popular show in thegallery’s history.Joe Simpson currently lives and works in London. His paintings have been shown bothnationally and internationally, including prestigious venues such as The National PortraitGallery, Manchester City Art Gallery, Cornerhouse and The House of Commons.Joe said: “I’ve tried to root each painting in a tradition of painted portraiture – each piece hasa quiet, still and almost introspective feel to them. I’d tried to capture the way that eachperson held themselves when I met them, usually I didn’t give the musicians a great deal ofdirection, or plan how I wanted the piece to turn out. These paintings have physicality to themthat you don’t get with a photograph, the paint has a specific weight and application - you cansee layers and brushmarks in the hair and skin tones. I’m really excited to see all thepaintings together for the first time.I'm really looking forward to exhibiting these paintings in such a prestigious venue that has along history of hosting live performances by some iconic musicians”The exhibition is free and runs from Tuesday 29 May– Sunday 10 June around the groundfloor corridor of the Royal Albert Hall. It can be viewed when attending performances at theHall or during these free open days:Sunday 3 June 9am – 12.30pmSaturday 9 June 11am – 3pmSunday 10 June 11am – 3pm*** PRIVATE VIEW INVITATION ***30th May 6.30pm - 9pm.

There will be a private view in door 6 with a short spoken word / poetry performance by artistScroobius Pip in the EastArena Foyer from 7.30pm - 8pmNotes to editorsFor more information, interviews, images, and to RSVP for the Private View pleasecontact:Khaled Khawaja020 7861 3162 / KKhawaja@goodrelations.co.ukNicola Hamilton020 7861 3189 / nhamilton@goodrelations.co.ukFor the Royal Albert Hall please contact:Sean Carrigan020 7959 0531/ seanc@royalalberthall.comRoyal Albert HallThe Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Its breathtaking auditorium hosts over370 shows a year by the world’s greatest artists. The magical atmosphere combined withinspired artists creates legendary events. Opened in 1871 as part of Prince Albert’s vision fora centre for the Arts and Sciences, and a registered charity operating without public funding, itremains true to his founding ambitions within a modern context.Extending the brand with over 120 events outside the auditorium, the Hall has broadened itsappeal to younger, diverse audiences whilst still engaging its existing customers. It also worksextensively with schools and young people through its Education programme, reaching over30,000 participants each year.For more information please visit www.royalalberthall.comRegistered charity no: 254543