Billy Childish British, b. 1959

  • Billy Childish is a prolific and rebellious force in the British art and music scene, known for his raw, uncompromising creativity. A painter, poet, musician, and novelist, Childish's work spans decades, embodying an untamed, DIY spirit that resists mainstream conformity. His paintings, often thickly layered and expressive, draw from personal experiences, historical references, and a fascination with the human condition. They evoke the energy of Expressionism while remaining deeply personal and emotionally charged.

     

    Musically, Childish has fronted numerous bands, including Thee Headcoats and The Buff Medways, channelling a stripped-down, garage-punk aesthetic inspired by 1960s rock ‘n’ roll and blues. His poetry and novels share the same raw authenticity, often exploring working-class life, trauma, and defiance

  • Works
  • Biography
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    Billy Childish (born Steven John Hamper, December 1, 1959, in Chatham, Kent) is a renowned English painter, author, poet, photographer, filmmaker, singer, and guitarist. Since the late 1970s, Childish has been a prolific figure in music, writing, and visual art, leaving a profound impact across multiple disciplines.

     

    Childish's music career spans several bands, including the Pop Rivets, Thee Milkshakes, Thee Headcoats, and the Musicians of the British Empire. Known for his contributions to garage rock, punk, and surf genres, he has released more than 100 albums. His artistic endeavors are matched by his literary output, with notable works such as My Fault (1996), Notebooks of a Naked Youth (1997), and Sex Crimes of the Futcher (2004), which explore themes of love, trauma, and personal identity.

     

    In visual arts, Childish’s paintings are characterised by bold colours and dynamic brushstrokes, drawing from German Expressionism and the Stuckist movement, which he co-founded in 1999. Although he left the movement in 2001, his work remains influential and has been showcased in prestigious galleries like London’s ICA and New York’s Lehmann Maupin Gallery.

     

    A consistent advocate for amateurism and free emotional expression, Childish has also made significant contributions as a visiting lecturer at Rochester Independent College. In July 2014, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts Degree from the University of Kent. His raw, unfiltered creativity and refusal to conform have solidified his status as a key figure in the underground art world, inspiring and challenging audiences worldwide. From 1981 until 1985 Childish had a relationship with artist Tracey Emin.

     

    EXHIBITIONS

    "Skulls  Wolfs Nudes Rope Pullers and a Nervous Breakdown" at Neugerriemschneider, Berlin (November 2020 – January 2021)
    "Wolves, Sunsets and the Self" at Lehmann Maupin, Seoul (April – June 2020)
    "Remember all the / high and exalted things / remember all the low / and broken things" at Lehmann Maupin, New York (January – February 2020)
    "Man in the Mouth of a Cave" at Carl Freedman Gallery, Margate (May – August 2019)
    "Man with Jackdaw" at Villa Schöningen, Potsdam (September 2017 – April 2018)
    "Billy Childish, Frank Gertsch, Alex Katz" at Galleria Monica De Cardenas, Zuoz (February – March 2018)

  • Exhibitions

  • FAQs

    Billy Childish’s painting style is heavily influenced by German Expressionism and the raw immediacy of outsider art. His works are characterised by thick, textured brushstrokes, bold colours, and an emotional intensity that conveys a deep sense of feeling. He often paints portraits, landscapes, and figurative compositions that reflect his personal experiences and historical interests. His paintings resist conventional artistic trends, embracing a direct, honest, and instinctive approach. His work can be seen at Contemporary Six, which regularly showcases his distinctive style in the context of modern and contemporary British art.

    Billy Childish’s artwork is exhibited in galleries worldwide, but in the UK, Contemporary Six in Manchester is a key venue where his work is showcased. The gallery, known for its focus on modern and contemporary British artists, has displayed Childish’s paintings, allowing visitors to engage with his expressive and emotive style up close. His paintings, with their thick impasto textures and striking colour palettes, offer a visceral experience that is best appreciated in person. Contemporary Six provides a carefully curated selection of his works, highlighting his unique approach to painting.

    Billy Childish’s paintings often explore themes of identity, history, nature, and personal experience. His work frequently references his working-class background, childhood, and past traumas, as well as historical and literary figures. He is particularly interested in the natural world, often depicting landscapes with a rugged, almost primal energy. His artistic practice is deeply personal, rejecting commercialism in favour of honesty and direct expression.

    Billy Childish’s artwork stands out due to its raw, unfiltered emotion and unapologetic independence. He rejects the formal art world’s expectations, instead focusing on instinctive creativity. His paintings have a distinctive, textured quality, with visible brushstrokes and an expressive use of colour. Unlike many contemporary artists, he does not seek critical approval, allowing his work to speak on its own terms. Contemporary Six, a renowned Manchester gallery, frequently exhibits his work and his uniquely powerful paintings can be appreciated by collectors and art lovers alike.

    Billy Childish is considered an outsider artist because he has always rejected the conventions of the mainstream art world. Despite early setbacks, including being dismissed from art school, he continued to create prolifically across multiple disciplines. His work remains free from institutional influence, driven instead by his personal vision and raw emotional honesty. He avoids trends, focusing instead on self-expression and instinct.