Billy Childish British, b. 1959
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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 His paintings, often thickly layered and expressive, draw from personal experiences, historical references, and a fascination with the human condition.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
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Works
Billy Childish British, b. 1959
PORTRATE 82, 1982Oil on Board121.9 x 60.9 cm unframed
Copyright The Artistsigned with the artist’s initials and dated ‘(SH) 'PORTRATE 82,' created by the prolific British artist Billy Childish in 1982, is a captivating artwork that reflects Childish's raw and expressive...signed with the artist’s initials and dated ‘(SH)
"PORTRATE 82," created by the prolific British artist Billy Childish in 1982, is a captivating artwork that reflects Childish's raw and expressive style. Known for his diverse artistic practice, which encompasses painting, poetry, music, and more, Childish's work often carries a sense of emotional intensity and a rejection of conventional artistic norms.
In "PORTRATE 82," Childish presents a portrait that captures the essence of his subject with bold, gestural brushstrokes and a vibrant colour palette. The painting exudes a sense of immediacy and energy, as if the portrait was captured in a spontaneous and unfiltered manner. The loose and expressive application of paint adds a dynamic quality to the artwork, conveying a sense of movement and emotion.
The use of color in "PORTRATE 82" is particularly striking. Childish employs a vibrant and contrasting palette, incorporating bold hues and rich tones. The colours may be applied in broad, expressive strokes or layered to create depth and texture. This use of colour adds an emotional intensity to the portrait, enhancing the overall impact of the artwork.
Childish's approach to portraiture goes beyond a mere likeness; it delves into the inner world of the subject and the artist himself. Through his expressive style, Childish captures the emotional nuances and complexities of the human experience, offering a glimpse into the inner life of the portrayed individual.
"PORTRATE 82" exemplifies Childish's commitment to authenticity and his exploration of personal expression. It invites viewers to engage with the rawness and vulnerability of the human condition, challenging conventional notions of portraiture and embracing a more immediate and emotive approach.
BiographyBilly 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-
Modern British
25 Mar - 12 Apr 2023The Exhibition 'Modern British' refers to artists and movements from post-war Britain. Of course there are numerous artists whose work could have been included. There are many connections between artists, defined movements and clear lines of lineage that could create a magnitude of exhibitions all titled Modern British. However, our...Read more -
Winter Exhibition 2022
10 Dec 2022 - 22 Feb 2023Our Winter Exhibition 2022 brings a fresh selection of artwork from Gallery artists and a few new faces including Linda Schwab, Louisa-Longstaff Scales, Robert Mead, Craig Jefferson and Laura Pedley.Read more
This will be our final exhibition of 2022, a chance to view some fantastic art in a welcoming space and help the Contemporary Six Team toast an exciting year. We would love you to join us.
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.
