Rebuilding Beirut with Pride

Billy Fraser’s artistic timeline is one of fact and fiction, contradiction and clarity. The artist’s practice combines material innovation and experimentation with a deep-rooted fascination for expanded linear narratives. Existing within both a historical timeline and that of subjective experience, Fraser’s artworks seek to speculate on, and investigate, the majestic epoch-making events of the natural, industrial, technological and nuclear eras. Past, present and future. Solemnity and absurdity collide in works that mine both the pop-cultural and socio-historical context of human achievements, as well as Fraser’s own memories of wonder and awe. Primed fireworks, prize goldfish and space exploration are at once celebrated, subverted and undermined, culminating in artworks that both tantalise the viewer visually and rewards them upon further contemplation.

Lives and works in London. Fraser graduated with a BA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2017. Recent selected exhibitions include: And Here You Are, Holding On (Two-Person Exhibition, w. Milo Creese) Well Projects (Margate, 2020), HOUSE §1 (Group Exhibition) Collective Ending HQ (London, 2020), Ancient Deities (Group Exhibition) Arusha Gallery (Edinburgh,2020), ABSINTHE §1, 2 & 3 (Group Exhibitions, co-organised with Charlie Mills & James Capper) Spit and Sawdust (London, 2019). Fraser is a founding member of Collective Ending HQ, a collectively run studio and gallery complex in Deptford, South East London.

www.billyfraser.com
@billy_fraser