We Are Much the Same

We Are Much the Same is a solo exhibition by artist and illustrator Darren Booth exploring the complexities of anxiety, familial connections and generational dynamics. By highlighting the interplay of family history and our sense of self, Booth seeks to encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of the threads that bind us to our past and shape our present.

Booth’s artistic process involves a meticulous fusion of paint, collage and distinctive colour palettes, resulting in a striking and immersive experience for viewers. The act of disassembling and reshaping throughout this body of work represents a tangible connection with family history and anxiety, dismantling the past to make meaning. The interplay between discomfort and relief is manifested through abstract shapes, bold colours, vibrant hues, textures and evolving configurations. At times these elements coalesce into gentle, flowing forms, while in others, they manifest through sharp, defiant edges, resisting conformity. This continuous push and pull evokes the ever-changing landscape of emotions we navigate daily.

Darren Booth is a distinguished visual artist and illustrator, with a practice spanning over 20 years in the realm of art and design. His innovative approach to artistry is a fusion of intuition and iteration. With a penchant for blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital tools, Booth’s mastery in mixed media reflects his insatiable desire to evolve. His creative journey spans a multitude of mediums – from intricate illustrations to expansive public art murals and commissions. Booth has lent his creative brilliance to a host of prominent names, including Willie Nelson, Steve Martin and Kathleen Edwards, to name a few. His works have been featured at prominent sites including the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC and has been exhibited internationally. His creations have also illuminated screens on Late Night with David Letterman, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and have been spotlighted in esteemed publications including the Washington Post, The New York Times, The Globe & Mail, Billboard Magazine and The Los Angeles Times.

Darren Booth’s work primarily delves into illustration, portraiture, lettering and abstraction. His creative process is intuitive and iterative, with each piece evolving as he experiments with mixed media and digital tools blending traditional and digital techniques. For Booth, innovation is not just a method but a necessity, facilitating artistic growth while paving the way for fresh ideas and perspectives to emerge.

Expressing himself through a unique painterly-collage style, he has developed a rich visual vocabulary that allows him to navigate his relationship with anxiety. Booth utilizes systems of shape and scale, masterfully employing vibrant colours combined with textures to evoke emotions while conveying profound meanings, often fluctuating between abstraction and minimalism. He consciously preserves the imperfections in his art, a choice that imbues his work with an authentic touch of humanity often lacking in an increasingly digital world. Central to Booth’s artistic process is the deep connection he fosters with his audience, producing universal art that resonates on a personal level. His goal is to engage the viewer, inviting them into a world that is both familiar and surprising.