Striking, was the first word I associated with Kelly John Gough’s work, a capetonian artist who paints on the raw backdrop of wood panel canvas. Art, with it’s varied perspectives, deep meanings and diverse interpretations sometimes leaves you to make out the beauty of a yellow dot on a white canvas, but Kelly’s elegant classical figures with a provocative, erotic edge gifts you with a raw version of beauty.
Inspired by the human form, he creates realistic figurative and portrait oil paintings sometimes painted from photographs, embodying vibrant, striking nudes with a composition that’s enriched by strong chiaroscuro and exciting areas of negative space.
All She Could Hope For Was Air.
Come Sweet Slumber.
Stare.
Response.
The Vanishing.
Freedom.
From large scale pieces that bring a whole building to life, to compact miniatures that enliven a wall or desk, his distinct style doesn’t fail to make a statement.
Discovered on, SA designer, @KatVanDuinen ‘s Instagram.
Instagram: @kellyjohngough
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