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Brendan Handley Exhibition


Brendan’s paintings are a stunning exploration of non-representational abstraction; some conveying a sense of vibrancy, depth and intensity, while others elicit a calmer, more contemplative response. His expressive use of colours and textures evoke different emotions, moods and memories, personal to each viewer.

Born in Dublin, 1950, Brendan, along with his parents and brother, moved to Aston, Birmingham in 1958. His love of art was stimulated at a young age. After leaving St Chad’s school, Brendan attended the Birmingham School of Jewellery studying copper plate engraving and simultaneously worked at J.W. Barrett & Sons in the Jewellery Quarter. At 25, Brendan decided to turn his artistic skills in another direction; hairdressing! In 1982 he opened his first salon in Edgbaston. It was at this time he began to paint larger and bolder works, but he never fully believed he would paint anything worthwhile. Brendan’s early artistic heroes were Picasso, Rothko, Hockney and latterly Richter. Their influence can be seen in many of his paintings. Brendan is unconventional with his application of paint, choosing to use objects that would be more at home in the kitchen drawer or around the house; forks, colanders, wooden spoons, paint tin lids, as well as CDs and credit cards are all employed to create his work. Artists’ brushes are never used. Brendan’s style is organic; he is led by the paint, the colours and his unorthodox tools to create exceptional, thought-proving works.

The exhibition is free to all and available Monday - Saturday, 9am - 4pm. No booking necessary.

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25 March

An Intellectual History of Industrialisation: The Scientific Culture of the Birmingham Library, 1779

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8 April

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Past and Present