Joseph Silcott

"Inspiration for my recent work comes primarily from Nature and in particular butterflies and moths and the folklore and mythology surrounding these insects, to produce work with a narrative quality. I like the school of thought that butterflies represent the soul and also parallels drawn between their life cycle and that of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. I tend to work in series and as well as interpreting butterfly myth and folklore, I draw inspiration from classical music, in particular the Papillons piece by Robert Schumann which attempts to capture their movement and flight, and Puccini's Madam Butterfly. Nocturnes by various classical composers also, I feel, capture the spirit and characteristics of the moth perfectly. I am also inspired by the Victorian obsession of collecting, preserving and presenting insects in boxes.

"My butterflies are created from collaged paper. I really enjoy the process of collage, layering and texturing various elements from disparate sources and combining these to create a cohesive whole. I use imagery taken from advertising as well as the rhythm and patterns of found imagery and wrapping papers which I then cut up to create a newly ordered image. As well as their natural beauty I agree with the Eastern belief of butterflies as bringers of joy and being the essence of happiness."

Joseph studied at Liverpool Art School and St Martins School of Art, London.

Joseph is happy to undertake commissions. Here's one he made for a special birthday - Life Begins At 40. And here's a display in The Rowley Gallery window - Lepidopterae.

Solo Exhibitions

2019
The Lepidopterist's Lair, The Rowley Gallery, London
2007
Restaurant On The Green, East Dulwich
1992
London Ecology Centre

Two Person Exhibitions

2000
The Green Room, National Theatre, London

Group Exhibitions

2010
Butler Goode Gallery, Sydney
2009, 2008
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea
2008
Form, Olympia, London
Modern Works On Paper, Royal Academy, London
2007
Art London, Royal Hospital, Chelsea
20/21 British Art Fair, Royal College of Art, London
To Do Justly, To Love Mercy, Morley College, London
2006
Bookmarked, Waterloo
Dream Landings, John Lewis, Watford
2006, 2005
Christmas Show, Betty Morton Gallery, Brixton
2005
Zoo-A-Logical, Knapp Gallery, Regents Park
Brixton Open, Betty Morton Gallery
Alumni, Hope Street Gallery, Liverpool
Originals 05, Mall Galleries, London
2004
Bermondsey Open
Brixton Open, Betty Morton Gallery
1998
Woodlands Art Gallery, Blackheath
1997
National Print Open, Whiteleys, London
1991
Alter Images, AOI Gallery, London
The Exhibition, Illustration at The Guardian
Shop Window, AOI Gallery, London
1990
Beint & Beint, London
Top Drawer, Alexander Palace, London
Blenheim Gallery Open, London