Neil Raitt
Tangerine Sunset
The paintings of Neil Raitt (*1986) would not suggest that he is a born-and-bred Brit given that all of his work is USA themed – inspired by the land of limitless landscapes and opportunities. The American tradition of “Sunday painting,” namely Bob Ross’ legendary TV series, served as a springboard for his artistic practice. Raitt transfers the well-known into the unexpected by repeating motifs, varying them, or interweaving contradicting motifs to create conceptual paintings. By adopting Ross’ approach, Raitt presents his own concept of Romanticism and raises questions on our distinction between art and “kitsch.” The exhibition catalogue presents the artist’s newest body of work, contextualized by a revealing essay by British art historian Mark Gisbourne.