Ichthyophobia (Weird Fishes) (2022) Painting by Simon Houlton

Simon Houlton is a contemporary Turkish painter whose artistic journey is marked by a fiercely independent spirit and an aversion to conventional techniques. As a self-taught artist, Simon embraces the freedom to chart his own course through both art and life, preferring to learn from his own mistakes rather than adhere to formal instruction.

Rejecting traditional methods, Simon's work is characterized by bold experimentation and raw expression. He employs bold black lines, splashes, smears, and happy accidents to create pieces that eschew perfection in favor of authenticity. This unconventional approach, often discouraged by formal educators, allows him to convey emotions and narratives with a raw, scratchy aesthetic that resonates deeply with viewers.

Themes of introspection and human struggle permeate Simon's work, with recurring motifs of faces, fish, and skeletons. Many of his portraits serve as windows into his own psyche, capturing moments of emotional turmoil and self-reflection. Through his art, Simon seeks to confront the darker aspects of the human experience—self-doubt, despair, isolation, and societal degradation—in a manner that is both relatable and thought-provoking.

Each painting is a product of spontaneous intuition, guided by periods of silent contemplation and introspection. Simon's goal is not to create pretty or technically flawless images, but rather to evoke deep, visceral reactions in his audience. He aims to challenge societal taboos surrounding mental health and human vulnerability, inviting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in meaningful introspection. In Simon's world, art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit, but a powerful tool for confronting the complexities of the human condition.

• Nationality: UNITED KINGDOM
• Date of birth : 1975
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary British Artists