Gommie describes himself as a Poetartist – his works fuse the written word with performance, visual art and social commentary, ruminations and reflections on life, travels and experiences, often touching on universal themes, such as mental health, relationships, and the constraints of society’s norms. A trained actor, Gommie took up art in 2016 as a direct response to Brexit – and has since worked with
Bonham’s,
Hauser & Wirth, as well as the mental health charity
CALM.
This new exhibition at
The Art Office is a showcase of the British Poetartist’s most recent work including the new series Overshare, inspired by a trip to London, and including more than 50 pieces, which can be viewed as a single work. With self-deprecating and observational humour, Gommie paints texts in acrylic onto canvas and lacquered maps, or sketches in ink in delicate, intensely detailed works on moleskine paper. “I am the Liz Truss of Lasting Relationships” reads one recent painting, fluid painted handwriting on a lilac canvas. “Keep searching/ you won’t find it” reads another poem, above a drawing depicting a washing line, trousers and sheets hanging in a field.
Other pieces in the show include The Dentist Knows All of My Secrets, a poem about the cost of living crisis, and artwork maps, inspired by walks around the UK and the people and places he encounters – a method that emphasizes the Poetartist’s connection to the land and community, and the everyday experiences that shape his creativity. Prices for these new and recent works start from £198.
