Hales Gallery, London, 4 April - 24 May 2025
After visiting the National Gallery exhibition 'Siena: The Rise of Painting' and The Courtauld Gallery Collection I was interested to see the small exhibition by Ken Kiff based on his residency at The National Gallery.
Having made an initial effort to look at the early paintings at both locations I was wondering how to address all the developments that took place in painting subsequently and it seemed that looking at another painter's approach might be instructive.
I think that Ken Kiff captures some 'real essence' of the paintings that are referenced and I suspect that as with the Siena exhibition at The National Gallery there will be much to be gained by close observation.
Having made an initial effort to look at the early paintings at both locations I was wondering how to address all the developments that took place in painting subsequently and it seemed that looking at another painter's approach might be instructive.
I think that Ken Kiff captures some 'real essence' of the paintings that are referenced and I suspect that as with the Siena exhibition at The National Gallery there will be much to be gained by close observation.
After Giovanni di Paolo (1), 1992-1993
acrylic on board
68 x 122 cm
26 3/4 x 48 in
acrylic on board
68 x 122 cm
26 3/4 x 48 in
Down the Mountain Walls, 1992-1995
pastel and charcoal on paper
135.5 x 91 cm
53 3/8 x 35 7/8 in
pastel and charcoal on paper
135.5 x 91 cm
53 3/8 x 35 7/8 in
After Patinir (1), 1992
Charcoal and pastel on paper
107 x 103 cm
42 1/8 x 40 1/2 in
Charcoal and pastel on paper
107 x 103 cm
42 1/8 x 40 1/2 in
Plenty of clues are present in these interpretations of the originals.
Site Updated February 2026 Felix Mottram