Geoffrey Key British, b. 1941
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Step into the distinctive world of Geoffrey Key’s artwork, where bold forms and expressive compositions bring both urban and rural landscapes to life. Renowned for his unique approach to colour and structure, Key’s paintings blend energy with precision, offering a fresh perspective on familiar settings.
His masterful use of light and movement creates a sense of rhythm, drawing the viewer into each carefully crafted scene. Whether portraying dynamic cityscapes, tranquil countryside, or thought-provoking figurative work, Geoffrey Key’s art encourages a deeper appreciation of the world around us, transforming everyday moments into striking visual experiences.
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Works
Geoffrey Key British, b. 1941
Skull With Shutters , 2012Oil on canvasUnframed: 40 x 30cm
Framed: 68 x 58cmCopyright The ArtistFurther images
Geoffrey Key is a highly acclaimed and celebrated artist known for his bold, distinctive style and his ability to capture the essence of the human form and the natural world....Geoffrey Key is a highly acclaimed and celebrated artist known for his bold, distinctive style and his ability to capture the essence of the human form and the natural world. His paintings are characterized by a unique combination of abstraction and figurative representation, resulting in captivating compositions that resonate with viewers.
One of the most striking aspects of Geoffrey Key's paintings is his powerful use of colour. He employs a rich and vibrant palette, often featuring bold primary colours juxtaposed with earthy tones or subtle shades. This deliberate colour choice adds depth and intensity to his works, infusing them with a sense of energy and dynamism.
Key's mastery of form is evident in his portrayals of the human figure. He skilfully captures the gestures, postures, and expressions of his subjects, conveying a range of emotions and inner states. Whether it's a solitary figure immersed in contemplation, or a group engaged in dynamic interaction, his figurative representations are imbued with a sense of humanity and depth.
In addition to his figurative works, Key's landscapes and cityscapes are equally captivating. He approaches these subjects with a unique blend of abstraction and surrealism, utilising bold brushwork and expressive lines to convey a sense of movement and atmosphere. His landscapes are often infused with a sense of serenity or mystery, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the natural world.
Furthermore, Key's paintings possess a timeless quality that transcends specific eras or trends. While influenced by various artistic movements, including Cubism and Expressionism, his style remains uniquely his own. His ability to merge different techniques and influences creates a distinct visual language that sets his works apart and contributes to their enduring appeal.
Provenance
Direct from artistBiographyGeoffrey Key was born in 1941, Manchester, England. After his early education at Manchester’s High School of Art, in 1958 Key completed a degree and further post graduate studies at the Manchester Regional College of Art. During this period, Key was tutored by the sculptor Ted Roocroft and the painter Harry Rutherford. He gained a National Diploma of Design and the Diploma of Associateship of Manchester; the latter with a distinction which led to a postgraduate scholarship in sculpture. His academic awards include the Heywood medal in Fine Art and the Guthrie Bond Travelling Scholarship.
Key’s reputation is internationally recognised as a painter and sculptor of stature and integrity. He has held exhibitions throughout the UK and worldwide with shows in London, Manchester, Cheshire, Bradford and Preston, as well as in Dublin, France, Germany, Switzerland, USA, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Australia.
His work is exhibited widely and features in important public, corporate and private art collections throughout the world including Salford and Manchester Art Galleries; the Victoria and Albert Museum; Manchester Museum of Science and Industry; North West Arts Board; National Westminster Bank; Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong; Jockey Club of Hong Kong; Societé Roquefort; Chateau de St Ouen and Perrier.
Having known his vocation since childhood, Key embarks on a professional career as an artist, imbued with basic aims of being true to himself; avoiding artistic influence and fashion; and maintaining honesty and integrity. These enduring principles, coupled with the love of life so evident in his work have led to a strong, loyal and ever-growing following amongst so many who appreciate fine art. During his career he has built a prestigious record of successful solo exhibitions across the UK and internationally. Key's career as an artist now spans five decades and his work and exhibitions have been widely appraised and reviewed and his work continues to be widely sought and made available to collectors.
Key's diverse subject matter includes dramatic landscapes with abstract elements that convey movement and energy, as well as stylised human figures depicted in various poses and activities that exude rhythm and fluidity. Additionally, Key's still life paintings focus on everyday objects, emphasizing their shapes and colours, while some of his works venture into pure abstraction, creating visually striking compositions. Combining modernist influences with a distinctive personal style, Key's paintings are immediately recognizable and celebrated for their unique artistic vision.
Youtube - Salford Artist Geoffrey Keys
Youtube - Geoffrey Key in the studio
Youtube - Geoffrey Key Saltglaze Pot Trailer
Exhibitions-
Modern British
25 Mar - 12 Apr 2023The Exhibition 'Modern British' refers to artists and movements from post-war Britain. Of course there are numerous artists whose work could have been included. There are many connections between artists, defined movements and clear lines of lineage that could create a magnitude of exhibitions all titled Modern British. However, our...Read more -
Winter Exhibition 2022
10 Dec 2022 - 22 Feb 2023Our Winter Exhibition 2022 brings a fresh selection of artwork from Gallery artists and a few new faces including Linda Schwab, Louisa-Longstaff Scales, Robert Mead, Craig Jefferson and Laura Pedley.Read more
This will be our final exhibition of 2022, a chance to view some fantastic art in a welcoming space and help the Contemporary Six Team toast an exciting year. We would love you to join us. -
Northern Connections
29 Oct - 20 Nov 2022MICHAEL ASHCROFT - ANNE ASPINALL - ARTHUR BERRY HELEN CLAPCOTT - FLORIAN FOERSTER - JEAN HOBSON GEOFFREY KEY - NORMAN LONG - L.S LOWRY - IAN MOOD JEN ORPIN - ROB POINTON - ADAM RALSTON - STEVEN SMITH LIAM SPENCER - PETER STANAWAY -JO STANNESS - COLIN TAYLOR ALAN JAMES...Read more
FAQs
Geoffrey Key is a British painter and sculptor, born in Manchester in 1941. He began his formal art education at Manchester's High School of Art and continued his studies at the Manchester Regional College of Art, where he earned the National Diploma of Design and the Diploma of Associateship of Manchester, the latter with distinction. This achievement led to a postgraduate scholarship in sculpture. Throughout his career, Key has gained international recognition, with his works featured in numerous public, corporate, and private collections worldwide.
Geoffrey Key's art is recognised for its distinctive style, bold lines, his use of colour, form and texture. His work is often launched as a themed collective, be it horses, birds, landscapes or more recently his gothic series. Drawing inspiration from the School of European Modernism, his resolute interpretations of each genre appeal to collectors within each of his chosen subjects.
Key's diverse body of work encompasses a range of subjects, including dramatic landscapes, stylised human figures, and still life compositions. His landscapes often feature abstract elements that convey movement and energy, while his human figures are depicted in various poses and activities, exuding rhythm and fluidity. In his still life paintings, Key focuses on everyday objects, emphasising their shapes and colours.
Geoffrey Keys artworks are exhibited in galleries both across the UK and Internationally. At Contemporary Six, in both our Manchester and Hale galleries we have a nice selection of works in a variety of mediums, with Geoff's sculptures & 3D papier mache bowls on view alongside his paintings. Geoff's works in these various forms also form part of several public collections, such as the Salford and Manchester Art Galleries, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.
Yes, throughout his career, Geoffrey Key has received several academic awards, including the Heywood Medal in Fine Art and the Guthrie Bond Travelling Scholarship. He was elected a member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts in 1968 and became a prize winner in 1971. His work has been widely exhibited and reviewed, solidifying his reputation as a painter and sculptor of stature and integrity.
