Mark Millsted’s abstract work belongs to an expressionist tradition and
exploration through process of creation, delving deeply into
subconsciousness and mystical dreams. His New Symbolism paintings follow
tradition of artists such as Odilon Redon and Pre-Raphaelites. Using
colour to reach realms beyond the visible, searching for its expressive
rather than mimetic purpose.

Mark Millsted’s work is about acceptance. Without any hesitation, he
dives deeply into the subconscious. His abstract work belongs to
expressionist tradition and exploration through process of creating.
Using colour to reach realms beyond the visible, he searches for their
expressive rather than mimetic purpose.

There is something touching in his uncritical trust in the process.
Something genuine and humane. There’s ambition and urgency in his
paintings.

We are thrilled to be welcome CONTRADICTORY COMPANIONS, a retrospective
of Mark Millsted’s work at Folkestone Art Gallery. The exhibition is
curated by Beton Collective, a curatorial and artistic duo (Katie and
Joseph) who run The Green Room at The Grand and Beton Gallery in
Hawkinge. Beton (Croatian, Polish) means concrete as in the building
material. Beton is strong, resistant, and durable. It combines all four
elements: water, air, fire, and earth. Beton Collective draws from these
qualities in their approach to both artistic and curatorial work. Their
practice investigates the topics of immigration, belonging, language and
identity, love, loss, body, and desire.