George Lewis | My West London Life

When artist George Lewis isn’t working from his Ladbroke Grove studio, he’s capturing the English National Ballet in action, travelling the Middle East or playing in the park with his son

Posted on 26/11/09

What are you currently working on?

I have been busy creating a collection of paintings and photographs that reflect the beauty and poetry of movement of English National Ballet dancers. The dancers work tirelessly, often working seven days a week without rest, so to capture this on camera is very exciting. Ballet is one of the few art forms that truly celebrates and challenges the body, transforming the human form into a living, dynamic objet d’art. Through painting and photography, I have attempted to capture the aesthetics and poetics of both movement and the human form.

How have you found working for the English National Ballet?

I began collaborating with English National Ballet back in 2007 and was very grateful as they granted me total access to the dancers in both rehearsal and performance. It has been a fascinating experience to work with ENB as I have been able to capture all their major performances from the award-winning Manon to the innovative Resolution. It has also given me the opportunity to get to know some of the dancers and see how the company works. It’s like a family really; everyone knows each other very well. There is a huge support structure around the dancers, too, as quite a number come from abroad. It’s a real privilege to get to see the mechanics of a modern, dynamic and successful ballet company like English National Ballet, especially as I don’t come from a dance tradition myself.

A lot of your work focuses on the Middle East. What draws you to this part of the world?

I suppose to a lot of people might think it strange that I have such divergent interests. The Middle East is a part of the world that any person remotely interested in geo politics and current affairs can ill afford to ignore. I read international relations at university so I’m naturally tuned to this part of the world. It is full of colour and contradictions and I attempt – through my paintings, photography and video footage – to show it for the variety that it is, rather than just the misappropriated stereotype, which  often Westerners hold. There is a sensuality to this region of the world that many Westerners have either forgotten or chooses to ignore due to events such as the bombing of the World Trade Centre in New York in 2001. Through my art, I attempt to break down these misinformed prejudices and show this divergent region for the 10 shades of colour that it is, rather than a black and white version.

What do you miss while you’re away?

The family – my wife and one-year-old son. He changes so fast now, so I don’t like to be away for too long and I tend to go for two weeks at a time only. I just miss him too much otherwise. I don’t really miss English food (apple crumble and custard aside) as I enjoy Arabic food.

What’s on your west London cultural hit list?

My wife and I love going to Opera in the Park in Holland Park during the summer. Now it’s getting closer to Christmas we go to more galleries and theatre performances. We have tickets to see Moctezuma, the Aztec ruler exhibition at the British Museum.

What’s your most memorable west London meal?

That is a difficult one as London has so many good restaurants. Ishbilla Lebanese restaurant in Knightsbridge is certainly one of my favourites as it does the best grilled halloumi, hummous and tabouleh in London.

What’s on your bedside?

A clock radio permanently tuned to Radio 4 and piles of books that I have yet to read. My problem is that I get given more books than I have time to read – reality has to catch up with ambition.

What’s your personal favourite piece of artwork?

Currently, it is Rembrandt's The Polish Rider which is housed in the Frick Collection, New York. I love that dash of red in his trousers, his headdress and the look of longing in his expression.

Who is your hero?

Currently, I would say Daniel Barenboim, the renowned Argentinian-born Jewish pianist and conductor who founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. He uses this platform and his talents to bring Palestinians and Israelis together through music. He is brave, outspoken and can do what most men can’t: think out of their tribal prejudice.

What makes you happy?

Seeing new things, meeting new people and striving to better understand this crazy world in which we live.

How would you spend a perfect Sunday?

At home with my family, playing in the park with my son who loves the swings.

Tell us a secret about your area…

Our street, in W8, has the best cherry blossom in London. When the blossom falls off the trees it looks like a foot of snow has fallen.

George Lewis’ latest exhibition, Flight and Fancy: The Dancers of English National Balletwww.9langtonstreet.co.uk; 020 7823 3606; www.georgelewis.me is on throughout December at 9 Langton Street Gallery, SW10;