Tim Fowler’s Vibrant Exhibition ‘The Ground’

Tim Fowler’s Vibrant Exhibition ‘The Ground’ – Leicester

I’ve been following Tim Fowler’s work for around 15 years now. The first time I came across his artwork, it was his skull pieces that immediately caught my attention. Many artists have explored the motif of skulls over the years, especially within street art—so much so that it often feels overdone. But Tim’s interpretation always stood out to me. His distinctive colour palette and expressive style made the familiar theme feel fresh and original. Ever since then, I’ve been captivated by his artistic journey.

About four years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Tim for the first time and visiting his Leicester-based studio. It was a fantastic opportunity to ask the many questions that had been swirling in my mind about his process and creative evolution. At the time, his studio was housed in a converted factory, shared with other creatives—a space brimming with inspiration and energy. Seeing his workspace in person gave me an even deeper appreciation for his craft and the dedication he puts into every piece he creates.

The Ground: A Stunning Evolution in Scale and Subject Matter

Yesterday, I made the short trip back to Leicester to see his latest exhibition, The Ground, at the Attenborough Arts Centre. Spread across two floors, the exhibition showcases Tim’s artistic evolution, with a significant shift in subject matter and meaning. His work has not only grown in scale—a change influenced by his move to a much larger warehouse studio—but it has also taken a deep dive into the world of plants. Over the past few years, I’ve watched this transition unfold via social media, and what I love is how his signature style and bold colour choices remain at the heart of his work. If anything, they’ve been amplified.

The moment you step into the exhibition, you’re struck by the sheer scale of the pieces. The vibrant colours immediately draw you in, but as you move closer, the intricate details and layers reveal themselves. Expressive brushstrokes, dynamic mark-making, and the interplay of acrylics, oils, and spray paint create depth and energy. Drips, splashes, and bold contrasts bring his plant-based subject matter to life, making each piece feel both organic and electrifying. The compositions, though rooted in nature, have an almost surreal quality, making you question whether you are looking at a representation of real plants or a reimagining of them through Tim’s distinct perspective.

A personal tour by the man himself

One of the highlights of my visit was getting a personal tour from Tim himself. Having the artist explain his works, his vision, and his future aspirations added an entirely new dimension to the experience. Tim has always been an engaging storyteller, and listening to him talk about his art brought his pieces to life in a way that no exhibition text ever could. He described how his exploration of plant life was born from a fascination of his Caribbean ancestry and the connection of these plants with the UK. This thematic connection between subject, heritage and artist was something I hadn’t fully appreciated until hearing him speak about it.

Beyond discussing his artistic process, Tim also shared insights into the challenges of working on such a large scale. He talked about how moving into a bigger studio was both a necessity and a creative catalyst. The additional space allows him to step back from his canvases, analyse them from different perspectives, and make bolder artistic choices. He also mentioned how working with plant imagery has encouraged spontaneity, letting the forms evolve naturally rather than strictly following a predetermined composition.

Inside the Studio: A Glimpse into Tim Fowler’s Creative Space

As if the tour wasn’t exciting enough, Tim also extended an invitation to visit his new studio. Having seen his previous space, I was eager to see how this larger environment was shaping his practice. Walking into his new warehouse studio, it was immediately clear how the increased space has allowed him to push the boundaries of his work. With the ability to work on multiple pieces at once and experiment more freely, it’s an exciting glimpse into the future of his art.

One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting the studio was seeing works in progress. Some canvases were just beginning to take shape, while others were nearing completion. Observing these unfinished pieces provided an intimate look at Tim’s process—how he layers colours, refines details, and sometimes even reworks entire sections based on how the composition develops. There was a palpable energy in the space, a feeling that each painting was part of an ongoing conversation between artist and canvas.

Reflecting on my visit, I appreciate just how much Tim Fowler’s work has evolved over the years. While his early pieces caught my attention with their striking visuals, his latest works resonate on a deeper level. There’s a maturity to his current exhibition that speaks to years of refinement and self-discovery (both artistically and personally). The combination of bold colour, expressive technique, and organic subject matter creates a powerful visual experience that lingers long after you leave the gallery.