I was introduced to Carl Melegari's paintings only last autumn and the strength of his semi-abstracted figure paintings had an immediate impact and I knew it was work we had to show.
Melegari, 53, is Welsh, born of Italian parentage and now lives outside Bristol. He maintains strong links with Wales and his recent Cardiff exhibition has been hugely successful, with over 30 paintings selling on the opening night.

Carl's contemporary approach to painting explores both the human and the animal form as well as landscapes (which will be exhibited at a later date). He primarily focuses on on the semi-abstraction within the figure and has become increasingly fascinated by the versatility of oil paint.
Often working from life and models, Melegari explores how the physicality of the paint combined with the density of pigment can give a sense of life radiating from the canvas: as if to evoke the vigour of the human form. His paintings arguably focus just as much on the medium of paint, and how it reacts with the surface, as they do on the subject of the painting. Through the veils of layers, achieved by continuously accumulating and scraping back the paint, a figure emerges as if to suggest how the sitter has become enveloped and partly obscured by the energy of the paint.

His work draws from sculptural influences, such as Manuel Neri as well as from colourists, such as Morandi. Melegari frequently uses a monochromatic palette to generate the idea that he is playing with the reduction of form: often abstracting and delineating parts to create a more non-figurative feel. He often uses this muted palette to replicate a sense of isolation and seclusion. He then applies paint liberally and without reserve: allowing it to drip spontaneously to both literally and symbolically mirror the personality of the sitter.

Recent exhibitions include VI Premio Internazionale Citta di Soave - Italy; Salon des Nations - Paris; Kooywood Gallery - Cardiff; Cadogan Contemporary - London; Waterman Fine Art - London; Royal West of England Academy - Bristol.

Ian Courcoux

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