Abstract paintings by British artist John McLean (1939-2019) are on display at the “Lighthouse — Go Back to John McLean and His Time” exhibition at the LAN Gallery.
Born in Liverpool and raised in Arbroath, McLean was mainly a self-taught painter. He studied at the University of St Andrews and went on to the Courtauld Institute of Art, London. Regarded as one of the outstanding abstract painters of his generation, McLean left a rich and substantial legacy of work stretching over several decades. Color is at the root of all his paintings.
“Thoroughfare” by John McLean. Photos from LAN Gallery’s WeChat account
He worked on a large-scale painting on the canvas spontaneously using fluid paints to make abstract and rhythmic compositions that suggest light and space. The artist’s shapes became more formal throughout his lifetime, introducing a minor degree of narrative, meaning any shape could be open to interpretation as a sign or metaphor. McLean regarded the abstract elements in his work as being informed by external experience and having an emotional dimension.
“To understand, all you have to do is look. Everything only works in relation to everything else in the painting. ... Looking triggers imagination and association. ... I only work with the feelings I can elicit with drawing, color and surface. ... Instinct and spontaneity are crucial. Thought goes into it too, in the same way it does in singing and dancing,” said McLean.
“Fete Galante” by John McLean.
Dates: Until Dec. 15
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Venue: LAN Gallery, 3/F, O’Plaza, OCT Harbor, 8 Baishi Road, Nanshan District (南山区白石路8号欢乐海岸购物中心三楼蓝岸画廊)
Metro: Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station (深圳湾公园站), Exit E