As our Contemporary Painting Course returns for a second year, Below the Surface will explore current concerns, themes and approaches to painting. It will offer an insight into both the research and practical methods adopted by individual artists to demystify aspects of the painting process.

The exhibition brings the practices of tutor and student together, demonstrating the process of transferring skills, knowledge and experience. Below the Surface shows how painting and drawing is used as a starting point to translate ideas into other media, including sculpture and installation.

As students undertake the first month of OVADA’s Contemporary Painting Course, the exhibition will grow and develop with new works in progress and research material added throughout. The show openly explores and reveals studio practice, providing a unique opportunity to view the differing processes undertaken by contemporary painters.