THEO CRUTCHLEY-MACK: NAUTICA

Theo's exhibition, ‘Nautica’ brings together a body of work created over recent months, continuing his material-focused approach to painting. Inspired by Cornwall's maritime landscape, the works explore the forms of weathered boats and the remnants of harbour life left behind by the tide.

Occupying a space between painting and sculpture, each piece is built from layers of reclaimed wood,  fishing nets and harbour debris, creating a heavily textured foundation. These surfaces are then worked into with thick layers of oil paint, repeatedly applied, scraped back and rebuilt, allowing the history of the materials to show through.

Rather than romanticising the coastline, Theo's work focuses on the physical reality of objects shaped by time, labour and the forces of nature. Rugged and tactile, the paintings capture the weight, character and history of Cornwall's maritime environment.

As a teenager, Theo designed a commemorative 50 pence coin that entered national circulation with royal approval, marking the start of a clear artistic trajectory from a young age. Since graduating from Falmouth University with a sell-out degree show, Theo has secured representation with five acclaimed galleries across the country, from which he regularly exhibits his paintings. In 2018, he was invited to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, where he painted and documented the abandoned whaling stations to support fundraising efforts for the South Georgia Heritage Trust. This organization works to restore the island's damaged wildlife habitats. The dilapidated nature of these ruins had a profound effect on the evolution of his work.

Theo strives to record the obscure landscape, often ancient and atmospheric. He spends many hours outdoors, making sketches which serve as the foundation for larger, abstracted studio paintings.

His studio paintings are carefully crafted from multiple layers of reclaimed wood and found materials, including old rope, fishing nets, and nails. The constructions are then saturated with thick coats of paint, applied expressively to forge a tactile fusion between painting and sculpture.

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THEO CRUTCHLEY-MACK: NAUTICA

Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th September

FREE ENTRY, EVERYONE WELCOME! 

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