Solomon Laurent is a Black British artist based in London, whose work is dedicated to exploring and representing the emotional experiences of Black men. His paintings aim to bring visibility to stories that are often underrepresented and challenge societal norms around emotional expression. Through his art, Solomon creates a space where the nuanced and complex emotions of Black men can be seen, felt, and understood.

 

The distinctive use of dramatic lighting, with bold highlights and shadows, brings a dynamic energy to his work. Each painting begins with a thick coat of gesso, carefully manipulated with a brush to create textured surfaces. These textures add a tactile dimension to the canvas, with broad, chaotic brush strokes conveying intense emotions, and more measured strokes offering a sense of calm.

 

Solomon skillfully balances detail and abstraction. By focusing on key features such as the eyes, while allowing other areas to remain intentionally vague, he draws the viewer into a deeper emotional engagement with his subjects. His use of color in the highlights and shadows, with thinned mediums to create depth, further enhances the emotional impact of each piece. The backgrounds are abstract and fluid, featuring loose, sweeping gestures that suggest movement and freedom, complementing the central figure.

 

Stay connected through instagram for updates on his latest projects and exhibitions.

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