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The Arts Intel Report

Michael Armitage: Paradise Edict

May 22 – Sept 19, 2021
Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0BD, United Kingdom

The British-Kenyan painter Michael Armitage found his voice by drawing from both of his cultural heritages. On the one hand, he creates landscapes inspired by East Africa, swirling together vibrant hues in his signature ethereal style. On the other hand, Armitage invokes Western iconography, drawing parallels to Titian, Goya, Manet, Van Gogh, and Schiele in his use of compositional elements. The overall effect is unique—exotic yet familiar, mythically charged yet personal. While Armitage’s work is the central focus of this exhibition, a neighboring room presents the work of East African artists who inspired him. —E.C.

Michael Armitage, “Mkokoteni,” 2019 © Michael Armitage. Photo © White Cube (Theo Christelis).