Spotlight

Feature Shaqúelle Whyte’s star is on the rise

Championed by Nick Campbell
Visual Arts
The Wick - A collection of thoughts, Shaquelle Whyte
Above  A collection of thoughts, Shaquelle Whyte
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The Wick - Shaquelle Whyte
Above  Shaquelle Whyte
Interview
Shaqúelle Whyte and Nick Campbell
17 March 2021
Interview
Shaqúelle Whyte and Nick Campbell
17 March 2021
If you’re looking to acquire contemporary art but are not sure how to go about it, putting in a call to Nick Campbell should be top of your list. Drawing on more than a decade of experience and in-depth knowledge in collecting high-quality art, he founded award-winning art advisory company Narcissus Arts in 2010. Specialising in sourcing art for under £10,000, it has helped commercial, corporate and private clients build impressive collections. Nick was also named the UK’s Best Art Consultant Under 35 by Spear’s magazine. If you’re on his radar, you’re definitely worth knowing, and London-based painter Shaqúelle Whyte is definitely that.
Campbell says: “I have the good fortune of visiting many artists in their studios, but none have been as young, eloquent and passionate as Shaqúelle. At such a young age, Shaqúelle has already established himself as a talented and dynamic artist with an exciting future. I have no doubt that he is a rising star, whose name will become commonplace within art circles, and that this is a perfect time for collectors to get in early.”

A figurative painter known for his exploration of the human condition, Whyte draws his inspiration from a variety of places, including the artists that he consumes. These range from Cecily Brown to Andrew Salgado, Michael Armitage to Tintoretto, Rubens to Rothko, Twombly to Monet and Yiadom-Boakye to Violet Hwami. As well as drawing from artists throughout history, the books he reads shape the imagined scenarios he creates. He told us: “I try for the world that I build to be as immersive as what I read and so finding time to delve into fantasy and adventure novels allows for my mind to wonder.”

Campbell adds: “With an intriguingly distinct style, Shaqúelle’s exploration of the human condition in his vivid works beautifully portray colourful and compelling worlds. Eloquently drawing upon art historical, cultural and personal references, his paintings have the captivating ability to speak to us all.”

Despite the pandemic forcing him to paint out of his mum’s living room and later student flat, Whyte has managed to create a collective of artists, aptly named Modern Faces, who will be presenting their first group show at Square Gallery in collaboration with Fynn Studios in April 2021. He also has shows lined up for the back end of the year, which he will be announcing in due course.

About the champion

The Wick - Shaquelle Whyte, Nick Campbell

Founder of award-winning art advisory company Narcissus Arts, Nick Campbell has over a decade of experience and in-depth knowledge in collecting high quality art. Specialising in sourcing art for under £10,000, Narcissus Arts is internationally recognised as the go-to place for all art enthusiasts. Nick has helped commercial, corporate and private clients alike build impressive art collections and has been chosen as the UK’s Best Art Consultant Under 35 by Spears Magazine, as well as being featured in publications such as The New York Times, Vanity Fair and the BBC.

“I have no doubt that he is a rising star, whose name will become commonplace within art circles.”

Nick Campbell

Place of Birth

Wolverhampton, UK

Education

BA Hons Fine Art, Slade School of Fine Art, UCL

Awards, Accolades

Roman Road x The Columbia Hotel Residency and Rome Art Program Denise Israel Scholarship

Spiritual guides, Mentors

Peter Davies, Andrew Stahl, Alastair Mackinven and Katy Wickremesinghe

Advice

Always be looking around for opportunities, even when you don’t feel as if you’re ready. If they don’t seem to be there, then use it as a chance to create your own. Be diligent, reach out to those who inspire you. As long as you put your best foot forward and believe in what you’re making, you will be able to get to where you look to be


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