There’s something undeniably special about abstract painting. It frees both the artist and the viewer from the usual expectations, inviting you to simply enjoy colour, texture and form without needing to pin everything down to a recognizable subject.
Abstract art gives us permission to see what we want to see and feel what we want to feel—an experience that’s
personal, intuitive, and wonderfully open to interpretation. The Abstract Painting Exhibition IV, now at Northlight Arts Centre, offers a perfect example of this creative freedom.
Featuring four talented artists—Steve Thompson, Dex Hannon, Simon SB, and Amanda Burton—the exhibition celebrates the many different ways abstraction can speak to us. Each artist in this exhibition brings their own distinct voice and style, making the gallery feel like a conversation between four perspectives on what abstract painting can be.
Steve Thompson makes an immediate impression with his bold, textured compositions. Thefirst thing that struck me about his work was his powerful use of colour—vibrant and rich, the kind of colours that almost feel alive. The textures in his paintings add another layer of depth, creating a sense of movement that draws you in. As I stood in front of his pieces, I couldn’t help but be reminded of J.M.W. Turner—not because they look alike, but because Thompson’s work evokes the same sense of energy and atmosphere. His paintings almost seem to swirl with emotion, and you can feel a kind of natural force at play.
Moving further into the exhibition, you’ll find the works of Dex Hannon, who takes a more structured approach to abstraction. Hannon’s paintings are full of intriguing forms, almost geometric in places, and the balance between shape and colour in his work feels deliberate and thoughtful. But what really sets his work apart for me are the titles. They’re not your typical titles—they’re full sentences, almost like tiny philosophical statements. One that stood out to me was “If we forget our past, we cannot understand our future.” This kind of title immediately piques your curiosity, urging you to look at the painting again and ask yourself how the forms and shapes relate to that idea. It adds a narrative element to the abstract, and I found myself spending extra time with Hannon’s works, trying to make
connections between the visual and the conceptual. It’s the kind of art that invites you not just to look, but to think—and I found that incredibly engaging.
Then there’s Simon SB, whose work offers a completely different experience. Simon’s approach to colour is almost meditative, and he has a true gift for combining shades in a way that feels harmonious and soothing. His technique involves the use of small, delicate dots, placed with precision to create intricate patterns that slowly unfold the longer you look. There’s a rhythmic quality to his work, and the dots seem to pulse with energy. Simon describes his process as a form of meditation, and you can feel that sense of calm and mindfulness when you’re in front of his paintings.
Finally, Amanda Burton brings a darker, more introspective energy to the exhibition. Her paintings are deeply emotional, yet they remain abstract enough to let you interpret them in your own way. Burton’s work feels connected to life—whether it’s the environment, relationships or events—but she doesn’t tie her art to specific moments or places. Instead, she explores feelings and atmospheres through a bold use of dark colours and strong contrasts. Her paintings have a sense of mystery about them, and there’s something raw and honest in the way she handles paint. You get the feeling that each piece carries a story, but it’s a story you’re meant to feel, not decipher. Her use of contrast—light and dark, sharp and soft—creates a striking visual impact, and her paintings seem to shift and change the more time you spend with them. There’s a beautiful balance between control and chance in her work, and that unpredictability adds to their emotional depth.
Overall, the Abstract Painting Exhibition IV is a vibrant and diverse showcase of abstract art, offering something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to bold colours, intriguing forms, or meditative experiences. What I loved most about this exhibition is how it creates space for personal reflection. Abstract art doesn’t tell you what to think or feel—it leaves room for your imagination and emotions to take over. Whether you’re a long-time fan of abstraction or someone just curious about it, this exhibition invites you to step outside the ordinary and enjoy the freedom of simply experiencing art without rules.
If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend taking your time with each artist’s work. Abstract art often reveals itself slowly, and the more you look, the more you see.
Grab a coffee or a drink from the gallery café whilst you’re there.
Running until October 7th, the exhibition is open every Tuesday to Friday from 7.30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Northlight Arts Centre in Potternewton Lane, Chapel Allerton.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just a calming break from the hustle and bustle, this is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of abstract painting.
Main image: from Amanda Burton’s ‘Alchemy1’
