Our Artists
The Harrogate Upstairs Gallery provides an insight into the daily lives and perceptions of those on the autistic spectrum.
We champion their work, not only to showcase their incredible talent, but also in the hope of building awareness and understanding for their unique perspective on life.
Kevin A George
Kevin A George - Resident artist and Gallery owner
With a lifelong passion for art, the-HUG.co’s owner and resident artist, Kevin A George has a BA in fine art alongside an MA in Art and design. Kevin won the prestigious Edna Lum prize whilst he studied for his masters at Leeds Beckett University. Kevin's talents are not confined to art: he also has an LLB in Law from the University of Greenwich.
Since receiving a diagnosis for high functioning autism and ADHD later in life, and realising the extent of opportunities he missed out on, Kevin has sought to raise awareness of National Autistic Society’s outstanding work wherever possible. He achieves this through his collection of artworks inspired and driven by his diagnoses. His art (and that of the guest artists who exhibit at the gallery) shows an appreciation and understanding for all aspects of the human condition, and for the variety of individual perception.
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Darcey Joia - Gallery Manager
During a gap year after finishing her A-Levels, Darcey Joia has been working as gallery manager and business coordinator. Darcey organises events and looks after the gallery; if you visit the HUG during our opening hours, she will be there to answer any questions you have!
Although she loves art, Darcey is going on to study Biology at Edinburgh University in September, with hopes of going into research at the end of her studies.
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Georgia Wells - Recent Gallery Manager
Georgia Wells was Gallery Manager during the summer of 2021.
It was with heart felt sadness we had to say goodbye to Gallery Manager Georgia Wells, who left to start University in Newcastle.
Georgia was a godsend, an asset, a confidant and friend, while reminding me of the youthfulness, full of the potential, promise and possibility, which age often tends to forget applies to us all. We wish her all the best and thank her for the short, although significant time she spent at the-HUG.co.
Modern and Contemporary Art at the-HUG.co
What is modern art?
Not to be confused with Contemporary art, Modern art refers to a social and cultural movement in the early 20th century. Experts estimate the period to last roughly from 1860 to 1970. There are certain underlying principles that define Modern art as movement, and these include:
- A rejection of history and society’s conservative values, including the tradition of realistic depiction of subject matter in art
- Innovation and experimentation with form
- A tendency to abstraction, placing emphasis on materials, techniques and processes
The modern art movement has been driven by numerous social and political agendas; the emergence of Impressionism in 1872 acted as catalyst for the Modern art movement in its challenging of the rigid rules of academic painting.
This acrylic piece is titled "Self Portrait in a Scream", by artist Kevin A George.
What is contemporary art?
Contemporary art has a much broader meaning. It is used to refer to art of the present day and of the recent past, usually of an innovatory or avant-garde nature. Dating back to the second half of the 20th century, Contemporary art is often about ideas and concerns rather than a particular aesthetic. Contemporary art is culturally diverse and multi-faceted, encompassing movements such as:
- Pop art
- Installation
- Minimalism
- Conceptualism
- Photo realism
HOW does our artwork LINK to modern and contemporary art?
In terms of Modern art, resident artist and owner Kevin George uses an abundance of techniques derived from the modern art of movement; he holds a passion for working against the traditional teachings of art that he faced at university. Kevin’s artwork is contemporary, with each painting presenting a complex and unique meaning.
Landscapes at the-HUG.co
Forests, lakes, rivers, bridges, fields and more...
Amongst many things, the artwork at the-HUG.co celebrates our surroundings. Resident artist, Kevin A George, talks about his love for landscapes: "As long as I can remember, I have had a fascination for landscapes and a captivation with representing through as many media as possible. I endeavour to relate what can be seen in landscapes to my experiences."
To view our complete range of landscape works, browse our shop or pop into the gallery in Harrogate.
THE BRIDGE
Attempt to walk me if you care,
A solid structure I appear,
Look closely ..like you I am flawed,
I am not built to carry,
Should you care,
I will not, cannot lead you there,
Half way is all I offer, it seems so unfair, Untouched beauty lies beyond,
How I wish I could take you there,
So I beckon you to walk with your imagination,
I shall meet you half way there!
More work by Kevin George
More work by Kevin George
More work by Kevin George
More work by Kevin George
More work by Kevin George
Schnell
This piece of acrylic work uses a range of red, orange, yellow, green and blue. The word "SCHNELL," meaning "fast" in German, is painted across the piece. It is one amongst several of his abstract pieces in the gallery. Scroll for more pieces like this.
Man with a Pipe
This pencil drawing is one amongst Kevin George's unique realistic pieces. It successfully combines detail and precision with an incredible portrayal of human emotion. Scroll further to view similar pieces.
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