The Wick List

Viewing James Vaulkhard: The Sublime & The Consumed at Blond Contemporary

Back in London this week’s pick is a new exhibition by Kenyan-born artist James Vaulkhard. Inspired by the ideals and ambitions of the Hudson River School painters, Vaulkhard went on a 5,000 mile road trip across the American landscape. The results, transcribed into a new body of striking paintings, makes up this show, titled, The Sublime & The Consumed at Blond Contemporary, curated by MC Llamas.

Vaulkhard’s new works see the artist push further into an abstract language, while exploring the history and evolution of landscape painting and the American sublime. They also become a deeply personal reflection on the state of America today, reflected in the landscape and in Vaulkhard’s observations and encounters during his travels.

Vaulkhard’s combines classical techniques, employing oil paint, oil stick and pastel, with an avant-garde approach to colour and line. The expressive, textured surfaces of his works evoke dynamic stories about modern day America, a place of contradictions and tensions. Find out more about Vaulkhard’s work and inspirations in this week’s Spotlight at The Wick.

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Dates
11 April 2025 — 09 May 2025
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The Wick List

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