Multidisciplinary British artist LUAP (Paul Robinson) is revealing a powerful new series of works in ‘Life Lines’, a solo exhibition at The Bottle Factory curated by Guerin Projects. Three years in the making, this entirely new body of work features sixteen large scale abstracted portraits alongside a series of photographic portraits, and marks a distinctive departure for the artist, who is perhaps most widely known for his signature Pink Bear photographs and mixed media pieces. Although the Pink Bear remains present in these new paintings, here he sinks into the background, a silent guardian rather than the focal subject.
Curated by Guerin Projects and supported by Nikon, the exhibition takes place in The Bottle Factory – a grand 1895 warehouse in Peckham near the Old Kent Road, restored by Fabrix – and runs from 6th-21st December 2024.
LUAP’s works explore the mechanisms of the human psyche, with sitters represented through a fractured lens that reveals the infinitely multifaceted nature of personality, as the artist explains, “the fractured parts of our psyche, piecing them together, and understanding them.”
LUAP: “We don’t see the boundaries of the mirror when looking at these portraits. Instead, we see fragmented reflections that challenge the way we typically perceive ourselves. It’s as if each broken shard reveals a different, isolated pieces of ourselves, distorted yet undeniably familiar. In this sense, the portraits echo a daily reality – one where our own reflections are often places of scrutiny. We’re inclined to scrutinise ourselves in fragments, homing in on perceived flaws, rather than appreciating a unified whole. The cracks in the mirror reveal these parts individually, mirroring our tendency to criticise rather than embrace our full, complex selves.”
The artist’s process is complex, involving both incredible technical skill and an extraordinary capacity to invite openness from people as they share their life stories. Over the past few years, LUAP’s artistic practice has evolved from a representational approach to an expressive, deconstructed style, and here the works are abstracted both theoretically and visually.
A percentage of exhibition sales will be donated to Mind, supporting their essential work for mental Health. Kathleen Miles, Executive Director of Fundraising Income at Mind says: “We’re very excited about LUAP’s upcoming exhibition. Exploring mental health issues through art is powerful and helps us to understand both our own experiences, and those of others. We want to give a big thank you to LUAP for supporting Mind by donating a percentage of the exhibition’s sales. LUAP’s support will help us to continue to be there for the people who need us and ensure that the one faces a mental health problem alone.”
These pieces delve into the various aspects, life events, and responses that shape a personality, investigating our own individual, fragmented storylines and how they weave together to form the tapestries of our identities. This work is not about sadness, but transformation, depicting the subtle shifts in our state of mind. Each image portrays people from diverse backgrounds holding personal artefacts imbued with deep emotional significance, sparking intimate conversations about mental health and identity. The artist’s studio becomes a safe space where even traumatic stories can be recounted openly. The sitters are presented in ways that reveal both vulnerability and resilience, engaging in an inner dialogue that becomes visible. What is portrayed goes beyond mere likeness; it is a deeper truth – an exploration of self-perception, the masks we wear, and the parts of ourselves we often keep hidden.
LUAP’s Pink Bear recurs as a watchful bystander in these images, providing warmth and comfort. Usually the focal point in LUAP’s other works, here the bear steps into a different role, symbolising a refuge from darkness and a guide through the chaos of thought. The bear appears in an abstracted form in all of the portraits, its warm pink hue offering a comforting halo in the background of each painting. It becomes a guardian and safe keeper of the “secrets” being told.
These portraits serve as the starting point for a larger narrative, reaching beyond the surface to touch the raw essence of human emotion, struggle, and the search for wholeness. This series opens a dialogue about the meaning of representation and how a fragmented whole can, in fact, become a unified entity.
This exhibition is supported by Nikon – in addition to the sixteen large scale paintings, LUAP has used
Nikon cameras and lenses to create a set of profound portraits.
Julian Harvie, Marketing Director Nikon Northern Europe: “Nikon is delighted to support Life Lines, an inspiring exploration of self-discovery and transformation presented by LUAP. Through Nikon cameras and lenses, LUAP has created a set of portraits that beautifully capture profound emotional layers of mental well-being, inner strength, and openness. At Nikon, we believe in art’s power to ask challenging questions, tell important stories and unite people through shared empathy. We are excited to partner alongside an artist who is so guided by and nurtures these essential principles.”
During the Private View, these photographic portraits, captured by LUAP in his studio, will be projected on a large scale, surrounding viewers with deeply emotive images amid the striking architecture of the space. Private View attendees will also have the unique opportunity to create their own LUAP-inspired images in a bespoke photo booth. Using the Nikon Z6III and Z 105mm Macro lens, along with a cracked mirror, visitors can capture a ‘fragmented portrait’ of themselves, offering an introspective reflection. As a special memento, attendees can take their image home, serving as a lasting reminder of their experience.
A percentage of exhibition sales will be donated to Mind, supporting their essential work for mental Health.
One of the sitters, M with Tears, commented: “I find myself relying on all sorts of medications and supplements just to get through the day – everything from antibiotics and probiotics to manage my gut issues, to cholesterol medication and painkillers. It’s been a constant battle, and I’m not entirely sure what’s causing it all. Looking back, I realise the root of my health problems stems from a deeply personal incident that happened about a year and a half ago. I experienced a violation of trust by someone I thought I could rely on, and it’s shaken me to my core. The aftermath of that event triggered a cascade of other stressful situations – losing a client at work, being the victim of a street crime. It all became too much, and I eventually had to quit my job and return to the comfort of my family home. Despite seeking medical help, no one has been able to fully diagnose and treat what’s going on with me. My body just seems to be rebelling, and I’ve come to realise that the physical symptoms I’m experiencing are likely a manifestation of the unresolved trauma I’ve been carrying. It’s an uphill battle, but I know I need to find a way to heal, both physically and emotionally, in order to reclaim my wellbeing.”
The exhibition is supported by Alt Co Clique, Fabrix, Mind, Nikon Europe, Plexar and The Bottle Factory.
LUAP Life Lines is at The Bottle Factory from 6th until 21st December, 2024.
