Plymouth-born international artist Steve Joy chooses Kingsbridge for his first UK solo show 

World-renowned abstract artist Steve Joy, has chosen the Velarde Gallery in Kingsbridge for his first ever solo exhibition in the UK.

Born in Plymouth, and a graduate from Chelsea School of Art, Steve has spent much his life travelling between the US, Japan and Europe. His works have been showcased in public galleries and institutions worldwide, from Sioux City Arts Museum in Iowa, Bemis Centre for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, Nebraska and The Japan Foundation, Tokyo.

But he has never had a solo exhibition in the UK - until now. 
 
Forbidden Colours, a new collection of paintings and drawings by renowned abstract artist Steve Joy, has been created for his first ever solo exhibition in the UK. 

This spring, Velarde welcomes the talents of two new artists, Steve Joy and Pippa Young, in an exhibition running from 3rd May – 28th June 2025.

Opened in July 2023, Velarde is a contemporary Fine Art and Craft gallery in the heart of Kingsbridge, South Devon. The building includes a 1,400 square foot exhibition space, a sculpture garden, and two boutique apartments.

Velarde aims to bring the very best in British and International contemporary art to Devon, giving collectors the opportunity to connect with emerging new talent, as well as established artists and makers. With a focus on quality, diversity of practice and creative innovation, Velarde’s year-round programme of exhibitions brings exceptional painting, sculpture, photography and contemporary craft to the heart of the Southwest.

Steve Joy, portrait and artwork

The recently opened contemporary art gallery in Kingsbridge will host two solo shows; Joy’s Forbidden Colours and Young’s Fragmented Truths in its purpose built, light filled space located in the heart of the town. The exhibition presents a range of paintings and drawings, including works in oil on panel and canvas, alongside charcoal and gold leaf on paper.

While Joy and Young have distinct styles - one realist and the other abstract - their subtle classical narratives reveal striking similarities to historical references including Renaissance painting and Flemish iconography.

Joy uses abstract forms to bridge the gap between past traditions and contemporary perspectives. His paintings are a meditation on how art can build a universal language that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries.

Drawing inspiration from the shapes of the Kimono and Samurai armour, the works are influenced by his love affair with Japanese culture and most notably the work of Japanese author Yukio Mishima. Rich pigments and gold and silver leaf from Kyoto, materials traditionally used in Kimono printing, are incorporated into his oil paintings on panel, further grounding his exploration in Japanese artistic heritage.

Joy’s work also draws from the techniques and materials of medieval and Byzantine painting, where East and West converge. This intersection creates a space in the paintings for contemplation, spirituality, and a sense of mystery—inviting viewers to reflect on the deeper layers of history, culture, and personal experience within each piece. 

"Painting is always about connection, real or imagined." - Steve Joy.

Queen of Everything - Pippa Young

Fragmented Truths showcases a selection of curated works by acclaimed artist Pippa Young, ranging from large portrait style oils on canvas to small, exquisite works on paper. Young’s distinctive realist figures act as metaphors for the challenges of contemporary life, exploring the delicate balance between the real and the imagined.

Within her paintings, Young strives to create a space for contemplation, inviting viewers to form their own, personal connections and interpretations of her work. With her intention being “to convey the transience and vulnerability of the human condition, while also reflecting the surreal and fragmented nature of the world around us.”

Curated to reflect Young’s thematic interests, the collection highlights the precision and layered technique behind her process. It also draws on strong references to the iconography of early Flemish painters, while being re-imagined within a decontextualized, blank space that allows them to remain both timeless and open to questioning.

"Contemporary experience is fragmented, truth is shadowy and reality subjective." Pippa Young

The exhibition runs from 3 May to 28 June 2025, at Velarde, 86 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1PP and online at www.velarde.co.uk.