This is the second solo exhibition for Johnny Hannah, residing underneath the arches. Burning Love continues his distinctive use of handmade graphic type and sketchy, scratchy illustration that recalls a past – Gallic and beyond – from way off the beaten tourist track.
A mix of lino, screen and painted pieces, Hannah’s work does tend towards a nostalgic and age-belying bygone era – certainly beyond his own 40 years. A folio including depictions of sailors’ sea shanties, jazz musicians, tin toys and Coney Island have seen commissions from the likes of Vogue, The Guardian and the New York Times, culminating in this new collection, loosely timed for Valentine’s Day.
With that in mind, the pieces include cut-out heart paintings, prints with corsets and some Parisian flare, all guaranteed to get a better love reaction than petrol station flowers.
JOHNNY HANNAH: BURNING LOVE
CASTOR & POLLUX, KINGS ROAD ARCHES
WORDS BY NICK COQUET