Peter Davies

Peter Davies utilizes a combination of conceptualism and formalism in his artwork, exploring the fleeting nature of pop-cultural information systems. He employs minimalist painting techniques to depict lists, charts, and bylines with a polished and sleek appearance. His abstract paintings often feature large canvases adorned with vivid yet imperfect patterns that convey ephemeral pop-cultural information. In his text-based works, he uses paint, language, and structure to discuss art as a commodity within the entertainment industry, positioning himself as a leader in this movement. Davies creates a massive flow chart, inspired by Beuys's blackboard works, to connect his artistic heroes through six degrees of separation and trace their lineage back to Beuys. He argues that there are only twelve simple connections between Picasso and Sarah Lucas, with Peter Doig and Matthew Barney's shared love of sports serving as a legitimate link. Despite the intricate linear thinking required by the flow chart, Davies believes it simplifies the complex connections between artists. ...

The Approach is co-directed by Jake Miller and Emma Robertson. Located in Bethnal Green above The Approach Tavern, for over twenty years it has operated an internationally recognised programme from its East London base. The gallery is known for discovering artists and establishing their careers as well as making inter-generational curated group shows a strong focus. The list of represented artists includes the Estates of important overlooked female artists Heidi Bucher and Maria Pinińska Bereś, as well as seminal British collage artist John Stezaker, together with established and emerging artists including Magali Reus, Peter Davies, Lisa Oppenheim, Sandra Mujinga, Pam Evelyn, Sara Cwynar, Sam Windett and Caitlin Keogh. Over the years the gallery has operated parallel programmes in additional gallery spaces in London’s West End (The Approach W1) and in Shoreditch (The Reliance). The gallery is currently based solely in its original East End location and continues to expand its programme, showcasing its represented artists in the main gallery space, and both represented and non-represented artists in The Annexe, a smaller, more experimental space at the back of the building. ...