Bank Street Gallery
Communication is the glue which binds all artists. Musicians, cartoonists, songwriters, poets, writers, portraitists – even graffiti artists in our streets – they are all commenting on their world. So too is Linda Pate but her message is more than just a statement. Her vocation contemplates communication itself.
At first glance her show is an eclectic mix of theme and media. Acrylics, gouaches, natural slate, lino cuts all have a part to play in this collection. Despite its diversity, the work is nonetheless homogeneous - and the key is authenticity. Moved throughout her life by our connections with the world and, as a mother, realising the importance of communication in setting that connection, Pate has an aptitude for capturing in a moment, a scrutiny of the world that says more than can be caught in the ubiquitous sound-bite. Her images speak with the knowing wisdom of a silent look. Whether she chooses to paint a broody highland cow or a sheepish, little dog, her observation pulls the viewer into the mind of her subject. All of her subjects are unquestionably thinking as they look at you. Bizarrely, this is even true of the shadowy figures who are not even presented directly to the viewer. The question for each of us is – what are they thinking?
the show runs from friday 30th january 2015 until friday 13th march 2015