Exhibition: Boardroom Baroque - Peter Layzell

Boardroom Baroque presents a striking new collection of large-scale paintings by Peter Layzell. In scenes of suited men brawling across parliamentary pews, Layzell presents a darkly satirical vision of governance unravelling, a world where decorum suddenly and explosively gives way to disorder.

As global politics descend into spectacle, our leaders clash not just in chambers, but across social media battlegrounds with Trump vs Musk, Musk vs Starmer, Sunak vs Rayner and Farage vs (inevitably) everyone. Civil discourse is collapsing in real time, replaced by clickbait confrontation and algorithm-driven outrage. Layered beneath this is the insidious spread of 'incel' ideology and the aggressive masculinity peddled by influencers like Andrew Tate — always a screen swipe away.

Drawing on historic imagery of European parliamentary melees, Layzell channels this modern unrest through the lens of baroque drama. Inspired by a transformative encounter with Tintoretto's vast, kinetic canvases, he creates densely populated scenes that pulse with energy, equal parts satire and spectacle.

Layzell's work is grounded in a clear artistic ethos: to engage audiences beyond the confines of the art world.

"Don't bore your audience with worthy but dull paintings," he insists. Through bold diagonals, sharp contrasts, and dynamic compositions, his paintings become intimate portraits of authority under siege, crushed by market forces, political dysfunction, and the slow collapse of traditional hierarchies.

Boardroom Baroque invites viewers to confront the choreography of power in crisis, and to question what, if anything, might rise from the performative wreckage Layzell presents.

Curator Alex Zawadzki:

"This body of work confronts the theatre of contemporary politics — where the stage is digital, the script is rage, and the costume is a suit. Inspired by public spats between elected officials, the paintings turn pixels into punches through feisty paint strokes, asking what power looks like when it's filtered through the algorithm."

About Peter Layzell

Peter Layzell is a British painter with over four decades of artistic practice. After leaving college in 1984, he spent three years as a member of an artist's cooperative at Coventry Canal Basin studios during the height of British Expressionism. His work has evolved from large-scale dramatic compositions to carefully planned figurative paintings that explore social narratives through contemporary subjects.

Layzell's career spans teaching positions at Lancaster University, Preston Polytechnic, and other institutions, alongside regular exhibitions including shows at the Royal Academy summer exhibition. He was Course Leader of the Foundation Diploma Programme at Blackpool and Fylde College and served as Artist in Residence at Atkinson Art Gallery. His work is featured in publications including ‘A Singular Vision: Fifty Years of Painting at The Portal Gallery’ and ‘500 Portraits: 25 Years of the BP Portrait Award.

DATES

Opening night: Thursday 17th July 2025: 18.00 - 20.00pm

Exhibition Runs: Friday 18th July - Saturday 2nd August 2025: 11.00 - 16.00pm

Open Every Thursday to Saturday OR by Appointment made via 07584825281

Address: The Second Act, 29 Sunbury Workshops, Swanfield St, London, E2 7LF

THE GALLERY

THE SECOND ACT is a young contemporary gallery with roots in the North of England and East London. We deliver a programme with an emphasis on the inclusion of artists for the North; and also those from working class backgrounds to support the growth of a diverse eco-system of British artists.We choose to work with artists who make contemporary art with challenging concepts, narratives and research; creating a roster of individuals who we believe, should all have the opportunity to write their own Second Act.

The Gallery is located:

• An 8 minute walk away from Shoreditch High Street Tube Station.
• A 15 minute walk away from Old Street Tube Station.
• Or you can use your SatNav to get to this address: 29 Sunbury Workshops, Swanfield St, London, E2 7LF

Press enquiries: Alex Zawadzki | alex@unculturedcreatives.co.uk