Simon Polkinghorn’s art exhibition, ‘The Spell’: An Enquiry into Modern Absurdity, inspires deep reflection in a dystopian age
Simon Polkinghorn is a professional artist based at Sandy Hill Arts in the picturesque village of Corfe Castle, Dorset. His artwork portfolio is as varied as it is thought-provoking, ranging from nature-inspired compositions capturing local scenery and wildlife, to life studies of the human form, to pieces of abstract political satire featuring disturbingly realistic and grotesque animal–human hybrids.
In Simon’s words, his work takes inspiration from ‘poetry, literature, mythology, nature and the human condition’, making use of oil, acrylic, pastel and mixed media (including even, on occasion, nuts and bolts!). According to Simon’s Sandy Hill Arts profile:
‘My work is often a response to the vibrancy and the subtlety in the world around us, often conveyed by use of both bold colour combinations and a variety of styles, and subjects including the natural world, and the human form.’
It is this use of often contrasting colours that gives Simon’s work a vitality akin to animation-type imagery. For example, a hornet that has unexpectedly landed on a wall is painted in exquisite detail, or Simon’s many depictions of horses adopting unusual but naturalistic poses, or caught in the flux of movement, offer the viewer a glimpse of that brief moment when the horse twists its head or prepares to run.
Simon’s latest exhibition is a collection of dystopian-themed works inspired by recent and contemporary political events, including Brexit, the rise of far right political influences, propaganda and post-truth discourse.
With his characteristic sharp wit, Simon describes the themes of the works on display as “satirical, sometimes humorous, and occasionally, I hope, disturbing”. And so they are! Images of fantastical monsters, reminiscent perhaps of Hieronymus Bosch, dark spectral figures and what appear to be science-fiction-inspired alien beings. But if the imagery is disquieting, then this is the point. Simon’s work penetrates the superficial nature of the click-bait, populist-led political narratives we are fed, ripping off the pleasant veneer of respectability, and compelling us to question the motivations and powerful forces that lie beneath the surface.
How do we upend the increasingly divisive political narratives we are exposed to? How do facts survive the post-truth onslaught? How can the public at large be guided to discern truth from lies? And how do we hold to account those who peddle malicious disinformation? These are some of the urgent questions prompted by Simon’s exhibition works. There are no easy answers. However, the lasting impression here is that we must, at the very least, try.
Simon Polkinghorn’s exhibition, ‘The Spell’: An Enquiry into Modern Absurdity, runs from 24 to 31 May at Sandy Hill Arts, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5JF, open weekdays 10am to 4pm.
Sandy Hill Arts and Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2025
Sandy Hill Arts is a ‘collaborative arts charity in Corfe, Dorset, bringing together artists and creatives from Purbeck and beyond through events, exhibitions and education’. Situated next to the heritage railway, in the shadow of the romantic ruins of Corfe Castle, Sandy Hill Arts currently hosts 17 onsite artists and creatives, whose studios are often open to visitors, in addition to a designated exhibition space – the Boilerhouse Gallery.
Sandy Hill Arts welcomes visitors to its diverse programme of creative workshops, courses, events and exhibitions, ranging from live music, spoken word, performance art, creative workshops, gallery exhibitions and social gatherings.
The Sprout and Bean pop-up café offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, delicious cakes and tasty snacks, including vegetarian options.
Sandy Hill Arts will also be participating in the Open Studios event during Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) Festival 2025. The arts festival runs from 24 May to 8 June and offers ‘an exciting mix of exhibitions, Open Studios, concerts, performances, talks and workshops, showcasing exceptional local and international talent’. Download the PAW Festival Brochure 2025 for more information.
