As a diverse and densely populated site, the Hive relies on the complicity of all involved for it to work. However, it is Spirals that form the natural structure for hives.

James Melloy’s paintings are predominantly of cells. Although often produced as single disks the cells also appear in groups. These curved repetitions, in echoing similar shapes and colours, also resonate with the hexagonal portals of a hive.

Their spiral forms are works that turn upon a single final brushstroke to complete their varied coils of colour. Operating around themes of rhythm and movement Melloy suggests that the hive is a perfect analogy for art-working. In order to remain vibrant and alive, all those involved, all those complicit in art must develop within the space of what can be called an artHive, where diversity and even incompatibility is necessary.

In the spirit of a deftly structured artHive this exhibition is also an in-co-habitation as it brings a new collection of paintings by James Melloy into an incongruous, yet working dialogue with two exquisite late printworks by the esteemed artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham.

James Melloy recently graduated from Goldsmiths Fine Art BA. His graduation triptych was bought for the Goldsmiths Art Collection; subsequent work has been bought for the Nuffield Trust and Royal Bank of Canada collections as well as by private collectors.

Leyden Gallery is delighted to present new work by James Melloy in this his first solo show.