PJ Thomson: Jungle Fever - PJ Thomson's first solo show at CCA Galleries International is inspired by Henri Rousseau and Fauvism. Thomson uses bold colour and symbolism to recreate the intensity and claustrophobia of the jungle. The riot of pattern and colour illustrates its overwhelming beauty as well as it's danger. The concepts of life and death. the alluring and unnerving continue to inspire Thomson's practice using silkscreen, stencil and spray paint.
PJ Thomson is the current head of Art and Design at Highlands College and has over 10 years' experience teaching the visual arts in Jersey, specialising in printmaking, ceramics and textiles. Thomson studied a BSc in Textiles Design for Fashion and Interiors at Huddersfield University. Learning about the science of textiles helped fuel Thomsons's enquiring mind as a fine artist, as well as enabling him to research subject matter such as reproducing spider's silk to be used in the textile industry.
PJ has had solo shows at Jersey Pottery, Jersey Heritage and JAC. He has work in collections in London and Jersey and commissions include the Percentage for Art glass etching at No 8 Duhammel Place, Go Wild Gorillas and the 'Liberation 75' 36 hour mural project at JAC. His work has been selected twice for the Jersey Summer Exhibition. As a practitioner, staying involved with the community has always been important.
Workshops - PJ will be holding two one day workshops at the gallery 10.30 - 4.00, Saturday, 7 November and 10.30 - 4.00, Saturday, 14 November. ' An introduction to silkscreen printing using paper cut stencils' will use the exhibition, as well as examples from artists CCA have worked with such as Sir Terry Frost, Henry Moore and Dame Elizabeth Frink to inspire and produce a silk screen print. Tickets for the workshop cost £40.00, include all materials and a light lunch.
