From being invited to one of the world’s most recognised urban art festivals at just 13 years old to launching a bespoke “Artwear” collection at the UK’s most luxurious fashion retailer, Harvey Nicols, Will Solomon is taking the world by storm with his cutting-edge, bold, experimental style.
Will’s artistry extends across painting, sculpture, wearable art and NFTs, focusing on exploring the patterns and textures found in nature and the built environment. The artist uses various materials such as architectural details, brickwork, bark, and tree branches that filter into his work through an urban aesthetic.
The London-based artist draws on music, fashion and his background in street graffiti, combining elements of “high” and “low” art to create paintings that “convey emotions (that) I simply can’t express in words,” says the artist.
Using various media, such as paint, raw pigments, rock salt, lichen, pumice and sand, Will focuses on texture with a particular interest in the way light interacts with these surfaces. Will’s pieces lend themselves to a modernist quality whilst remaining true to his street art roots.
“My studio is a sort of sanctuary. It is the only place where I feel I can truly escape reality and unlock my thoughts. It makes me feel free, although it is very intense and filled with raw emotions. This energy is what fuels my work.” — William Solomon.
In 2008, Will was the youngest-ever artist to be invited to “Upfest,” the internationally renowned urban art festival held in Bristol, U.K. His “Artwear” collection - launched at Harvey Nichols in London in 2020 - boldly blurs the boundary between art and fashion in the tradition of Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. He has created bespoke pieces for important private collections as well as celebrity clients within the football, fashion and music industries.
“The interest and love people show for my work is what excites me and makes me happy”, Will says, “ so I try to go out of my comfort zone and think of ways to engage with as many people as possible instead of sticking to London’s elitist art scene.”
Will’s work has been presented in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the U.K, including Chase House, Richmond (2015); Linda Bird LTD (2016); C. John Gallery, London (2017); The Dysart, Petersham (2017); Swakeleys House (The Lord Mayor of London's 17th-century country mansion), Harvey Nichols, London (2017); Linda Bird LTD (2018); Adlib Gallery (2020); and Senesi Contemporanea, London (2020), Battersea Art Fair/Directors Top pick (2021), Noon Powell Gallery (2021), The Waldorf Hotel (2021), Woolff Gallery (2021), The Arx London (2022)
To see or purchase the art of Will Solomon and other exciting emerging artists, visit Red Eight’s new gallery space at 35 The Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LR; 020 7846 4021. For more info, email info@redeightgallery.com