Naomi Frears Unveils Mesmerising New Artworks in Final 2024 Kestle Barton Exhibition

Naomi Frears returns to Kestle Barton with a striking new exhibition, “Night After Night,” marking the final show of the gallery’s 2024 season. Running from 7 September to 2 November 2024, this exhibition features an intriguing collection of new paintings and works on paper, offering a fresh look at Frears’ evolving artistic journey.

A New Direction in Frears’ Work

This is Naomi Frears’ third exhibition at Kestle Barton, but unlike her previous shows, which highlighted her work in film, “Night After Night” focuses on her recent endeavours in painting and drawing. Though a small selection of her films will be displayed in the Apple Store, Frears’ latest works take centre stage, showcasing her deep connection to traditional mediums.

Naomi, based at the Porthmeor Studios in St Ives, Cornwall, has spent years perfecting these pieces. Each canvas, she explains, has been a long process of layering, erasing, and rediscovering hidden images. The exhibition title, “Night After Night,” stems from Naomi’s struggles with insomnia, which has led her to mentally revisit her studio, continuously reworking her art in the still hours of the night.

Exploring the Unseen

The artworks on display include a variety of subjects, from figures in repose to imagined landscapes and abstract forms. Naomi describes her process as one of constant change, where the paintings evolve unpredictably, sometimes resulting in visible upheavals on the canvas. This exploration often involves revisiting “stuck” works—those that had reached an impasse—and breathing new life into them by stripping them down and starting anew.

The final pieces in this show are a testament to Naomi’s dedication to her craft. They range from quiet, introspective works to more complex, layered compositions, each bearing the marks of her intensive, night-time process.

About the Artist

Naomi Frears’ practice spans across multiple mediums, including film, video, and printmaking, alongside her painting and drawing. She has garnered attention for her solo exhibitions and film commissions across the UK, such as “The Days of the Future Stand Before Us” at Harbour House Gallery, Devon, and “In Other Words” at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. Naomi has also participated in various group shows and collaborative projects, further establishing her as a versatile and innovative artist.

Her works are held in both public and private collections, including The Government Art Collection, and in 2023, she was nominated for the prestigious Film London Jarman Award. Naomi also teaches art at Falmouth University, continuing to influence and inspire the next generation of artists.

Visit Kestle Barton

Kestle Barton, an ancient Cornish farmstead beautifully converted into a gallery, has been hosting exhibitions since 2010. The venue is open to the public from 23 March to 2 November 2024, Tuesday to Sunday, and on Bank Holiday Mondays, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. Visitors can explore the gallery, gardens, and surrounding wildflower meadow, making it an ideal destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Naomi Frears’ “Night After Night” and witness the culmination of her years of artistic exploration.

Plan your visit to Kestle Barton today.