1. LINCOLN TOWNLEY: Genius and
disorder;
what turns a weak into an artist
Many of you know the romantic assumption 'Sturm und Drang' and the literary ideal of the
artist "Genius and recklessness". Lincoln Townley, emerging figurative artist seems to be the
contemporary reincarnation of the 19Th century stereotype, and his art the manifestation of
inner discomfort typical of modern man immersed in a metropolitan environment.
Although he started to manifest his passion for painting already from the age of 10, inspired
by his grandfather and the late Francis Bacon, before the debut in the arts' world, Lincoln
worked as manager of strips clubs in Soho where he also started his addiction to alcohol.
Its collections,already shown at the National Gallery, Freud Museum and Fitzrovia, include
works having as subject 'Disappearing Soho' linked to the idea of a district always seen from
the artist as chaotic, turbulent, and therefore creative.
His last portraits clearly express the power of the addiction on the human face and regard
big stars as Charlie Sheen, Harry Dean Stanton, Mickey Rourke, Al Pacino and many
others, most of them involved in histories of addictions.
The "Hunger", biography published in 2014 recount his life before the debut in Hollywood
and his transition from man on the margin of society to acclaimed painter. As a result of the
unexpected success in LA and the enthusiasm of the stars facing their portraits, follows the
Lionel Richie portrait commissioned by John Caudwell for the auction during the Caudwell
Children's Charity Butterfly Ball in June and a new exhibition entitled W1 taking place at The
Royal Academy in October.
Anna Di Donato