Image © Frankie McAllister

“Hidden” gave rise to a vast number of interpretations: some objects and sights were deliberately concealed while others were simply obscured from view.
Man-made objects such as walls, hoardings and chain-linked fences prevent inquisitive eyes from looking at the structures behind: expensive mansions and the Eiffel Tower, or derelict buildings and neglected spaces [Steve, Alec, Krystina]. Complex reflections confuse the viewer [Nusse] while frosted or rain-splashed glass give a hint of what is behind [Frankie, Krystina]. Windows and doors with distressed shutters, blinds or net curtains give the occupant privacy [Frankie, Alec, Krystina]. Marathon runners dressed as anything from chickens to Spiderman can hide their pain and the effort of running [Hady]. Even an orange, man-made fog at Tate Modern [Austin] or condensation from vaping [Nusse] can completely obscure people from view.
Nature also hides, whether it is overgrown vegetation in cemeteries covering the gravestones [Austin] or simply the snow melting to reveal flowers and grass previously hidden [Anna, Jan]. Crevices in rocks hide “the landscape within” – smooth, shiny, colourful pebbles [Edey]. In Iceland half a village is hidden under layers of red and black volcanic ash [Jan]. People hide their faces: a homeless man hides his vulnerability with his hands [Robin], and a young nephew’s face is hidden behind a mass of blond hair although his character still shines through [Anna].
More conceptually, some things are hidden in plain sight, such as the Mona Lisa hidden by the crowds that have come to see it [Steve]. White, shadowy, abstract photographs “about which nothing can be said because the meaning is hidden” challenge our perceptions [Simon]. Composite photographs of buildings are partly hidden when sections are replaced by traced drawings [Janet]. Red asphalt, eroded in places, tantalisingly fails to reveal the layers beneath which remain hidden by grass and debris [Geoff].
Jim Paterson

Steve Jones

Robin Barr

Austin Guest

Alec Wyllie

Janet Nabney

Hady Bayoumi

Krystina Stimakovits

Simon Zebu

Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday 11th March 2020 at 18.45 at the usual venue – The Art Workers Guild, 6 Queens Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3AT.
The theme for the meeting will be Framing (of the subject in the picture). Please bring along any work you wish to share on a memory stick or in print or book form.