Gommie is a contemporary British artist known for his unique blend of poetry, visual art, and social commentary. His work is characterised by the use of simple illustrations accompanied by handwritten text, often reflecting his thoughts, experiences, and observations on life.
Gommie’s work can be seen as a form of visual poetry, where the words and images are inextricably linked, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and widely relatable. Speaking to the human experience, he has a talent for capturing the anxieties and contradictions of contemporary life in a way that resonates with a broad audience. His work addresses themes such as mental health, relationships, politics, and societal norms, delivered with a mix of humour, irony, and sincerity.
Gommie is also known for his artwork maps, inspired by walks around the UK and the people and places he encounters. This method of working not only informs his art but also emphasises his connection to the land, community, and the everyday experiences that shape his perspective.
This upcoming exhibition is a showcase of his recent work, maps and sketches. Inspired by a trip to London, ‘Overshare’ is a new series of work that (over)shares Gommie’s observations and social commentary of 2024. With a dark humour, the work pokes fun at himself and others with raw honesty. Including over 50 canvases, the series can be viewed as a whole piece, or taken in one by one, poem by poem.
Other pieces in the show include The Dentist Knows All of My Secrets, a poem about the cost of living crisis, The Heyford Maps and The Canal Maps. Whether it’s a poignant phrase hidden in a sketch, a witty one-liner, or a large scale map, each piece is a reflection of Gommie’s thoughtful approach to art and life. Through his practice Gommie continues to inspire, provoke thought, and bring a little more poetry into the world.
Gommie trained and worked as an actor before moving into the visual arts in 2016 as a response to Brexit. He quickly made a name for himself, with his work being acquired for the Soho House collection, and producing solo shows with Messums Gallery and Daniel Raphael Gallery. In recent years he’s worked with Hauser & Wirth, Bonhams and mental health charity CALM. In 2022 Salamander Street published a collection of his poems and sketches called “I Am Ill With Hope”.
