Joseph Dilnot (British, b.1997) paints intuitively to explore layered subject matter creating a personal mythology and symbolism, in which imagined worlds, momentary insights and reflections on personal experiences are condensed into lyrical and enigmatic paintings. Growing up and living between the English Channel and the South Downs National Park, Dilnot draws great inspiration from the natural world. Spending long periods observing the micro life of insects and exploring the gentle and contemplative landscape of the South Downs, he draws on these observations and memories to depict uncanny, equivocal landscapes, often inhabited by wandering, solitary figures. Within these scenes, Dilnot also references history, myth, folklore and habitat loss. Balancing playfulness with bleakness, he explores a range of emotional states like wonder, grief and isolation. In these, at times liminal, cryptic images, Dilnot’s protagonists seem to be in some sort of quest for answers to unknown questions and invite multiple readings of his paintings. Largely self taught, Dilnot works in a shed at the bottom of a garden, enjoying the frogs chorus in warmer months as well as regular visits from the local fox.