Robert Hardgrave’s abstract mixed media paintings are chaotic swirls of texture, material and colour, full of energy and brightness, are pictures that laugh in joyful abandon as if they’re expressing the full presence of life, the moment, the now.
Paintings that are fuelled by the excitement of life, living, generate their own energy and Hardgrave succeeds in harnessing this life force through vigorous brushstrokes, layers of rich hues and expressive line, his animal forms taking on a primitive aspect, a timeless reference to the eternal cycle of man, nature, art and culture. His is a need to keep making, looking, discovering the wonder around us just like our ancestors did. Take nothing for granted seems to be his message. On his website he has this to say:
Robert’s paintings are meditations on the unpredictability of life. He states, “Despite all the information we are given, I believe much is unknown to us in the moment, with clarity only achieved upon later reflection.” Robert’s working process parallels this belief. There is never an overall plan or formula in his work, allowing the imagery to manifest itself, becoming an exercise in movement and a dedication to discovery. His paintings are about the excitement in each evolving moment in life, be it minute or grand, and savouring it.