Stephen Forbes: Passage

A body of work intended to bring the observer from huge colourful crowds to the most minute details is set to enchant art afficionados. Passage, the new body of work by the acclaimed Bangor-based artist Stephen Forbes, will be displayed in Gormleys Belfast from April 13 to May 2. The new pieces, which reach up to 1.5m squared, intentionally draw the observer from the macro level of a crowd to the micro levels of human behaviour, revealing snapshots of daily life. “Forbes’ recent body of work is a further and more refined examination of human interaction,” said Gerard Gormley.

“He has simplified the backdrop of the situation these figures move about on, and instead puts more emphasis on the figures themselves.

“This simpler backdrop allows the vibrant coloured bodies to buzz and take centre stage, and the placements and interaction of the busy scene is as important as the figures themselves.

“This allows the viewer’s eye to wander across the surface and become drawn in by a person deep in conversation or late for a meeting.

“It is these mundane yet vital narratives that hold the viewer’s attention, reflecting on the complexity of life.”