By Phien O’Phien
The Billy Childish Show galloped into town on July 1 at the Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate.
The opening night of the show was well attended by friends, buyers and fans, with 16 displays of art on show.
Billy, looking like a cross between Wild Bill Hickok and a retro film cowboy, was in attendance. A very approachable and engaging person, he spoke and had his picture taken with many of those attending the opening night.
Some of his exhibition paintings depicted the cliffs between Broadstairs and Kingsgate Bay and stirred great interest among local art collectors and overseas buyers.
His right between the eyes, punky, devil may care style of art in this show conjures up the freedom one might experience when relaxing on a sunny beach, the feeling of calm whilst observing the tree line in the heart of the countryside, or when in the company of loved family members. A sense of peace prevails in this set of paintings, where everything is strong, solid, and reliable.
The internationally famous Billy is a Kent-born painter, author, poet, photographer, filmmaker, guitarist, and musician. Since the late 1970s, he has been prolific in creating visual art, writing, and creating and performing live music. He attended Medway College of Design in Chatham and the Saint Martins School of Art in London, and is a contemporary and friend of artist Tracy Emin and art gallery curator Carl Freedman.
Antonio, from London, attended the showing as a proxy for her mother, who was too ill to make the trip and who, she said: “had started to paint inspired by Billy’s work.” Billy had his picture taken with Antonia and asked her to pass on his good wishes to her mother.
Alyssa and Peter, collectors of Billy’s work, said this latest show was “very impressive,” and they were interested in acquiring one piece in particular to add to their collection.
There was a fundraising dinner after the show in aid of “The Perfect Place to Grow.” A Community Interest Company (CIC)
Among the attendees of the fundraiser was an impressive trio of guests, Billy and Tracy Emin and curator and gallery owner Carl Freedman.
The Perfect Place To Grow is a CIC looking to teach, train, and help young people in Thanet find jobs in the hospitality industry. Lee Coad, a director of the company, said: “We were very grateful for all who attended the fundraiser and for the continuing support of our patron, Tracy Emin, and her friends Billy Childish and Carl Freedman.”
The show at the Carl Freedman Gallery runs from July 2 to September 3, noon-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday. Free entry.
The last word from the man himself: “I love the new buzz around Thanet; it’s so compelling.”
Phien is an artist and father-of-four who uses the arts as a platform to campaign against discrimination, including that of race, sexuality or disability
