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13 November 2014

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You are in: Kent > Entertainment > Visual Arts > On the Road to Art

Artist Edward Chell

Artist Edward Chell

On the Road to Art

Edward Chell's oil paintings, inspired by the verges alongside the M2, are on display at the Turner Contemporary Project Space in Margate as well as in 4 Little Chef restaurants in the county.

Inspiration

Based in London, the M2 is a familiar road to Edward Chell. He teaches in the Fine Art Department at the University of the Creative Arts in Canterbury.

M2 Maidstone Services Eastbound by Edward Chell

M2 Maidstone Services Eastbound

While stuck in traffic on the M2 last summer, Edward realised how much wildlife was thriving on the motorway verges. The abundance of wildlife in the M2 verges inspired Edward to create a series of oil paintings.

Speaking about his inspiration Edward says: “For me these present a fascinating paradox - the motorway network presents a nightmarish vision of the asphalting of our green and pleasant land, but these roadside habitats also amount to an unofficial national nature reserve."

On Show

Three of Chell's verge paintings will be shown in the Turner Contemporary Project Space in Margate from the 27th June to the 6th September 2009.

At the same time, Little Chef restaurants in the county will also be displaying the verge artwork. Dunkirk near Canterbury, Whitstable East, Faversham and Detling near Maidstone will all host paintings in Edward Chell's motorway verge series.

Is it art?

Take a look at Edward Chell's verge inspired paintings and watch him, as well as art critic David Lee, talk about the works.

Artist Edward Chell
Art critic David Lee

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last updated: 08/07/2009 at 17:53
created: 08/07/2009

Have Your Say

What do you think of Edward Chell's paintings?

The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted.

Clare Fletcher
These paintings are quite beautiful, the detail is extraordinary. That the artist has chosen verges as his subject - a habitat that is passed by in a flash thousands of times a day - acts as a reminder to observe the world around us. Perhaps, even, to slow down on our journeys and consider the world we pass through?
Tue Jul 28 08:20:55 2009

Nicola Heindl
I have admired Ed Chell's work for some time, and find it rich, other-worldly and unique. Great to see that he's getting some exposure!
Sat Jul 11 00:55:13 2009

Marian Shaw
Interesting muted colours, evocative of traffic fumes hovering above the grasses and flowers. I can imagine the birds of prey also hovering.
Thu Jul 9 20:14:30 2009

Tony Cornwall-Jones
Well done Ed I have sent Ron the BBC Link
Thu Jul 9 20:14:06 2009

Tom Laidlaw
I think they're interesting and also rather restful, I have one on my wall and it's a favourite.
Thu Jul 9 20:13:36 2009

Mark Featherbe
Terrible!
Thu Jul 9 20:13:03 2009

K Morrison
They look a bit dull- but maybe that's the effect the artist wanted; I suppose on a really bright day (or a misty day)- the colour of nature will be muted. Otherwise the pictures look quite good- but not something I'd have in my house (I'm more into vibrant and abstract art)
Thu Jul 9 20:12:11 2009

Colin Neal
Better looking than an unmade bed or a pile of bricks!!!
Thu Jul 9 20:11:20 2009

Simon Hedley
There is an appeal in the seemingly mundane.And who are these "other people" David lee refers to, himself?
Thu Jul 9 12:26:58 2009

laura
brilliant - should be seen in the flesh to be fully enjoyed.
Wed Jul 8 22:04:30 2009

Maeve McAnallen
I love these set of paintings.
Wed Jul 8 21:53:43 2009

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