Viewing Shaqúelle Whyte’s beguiling paintings of brawling crowds and folklore familiars

The young British artist Shaqúelle Whyte is an exciting name to watch – if this first solo show at Pippy Houldsworth is anything to go by. The Slade and RCA graduate has already made a name for his dramatic chiaroscuro paintings with exhibitions at Hauser & Wirth, Somerset and the Saatchi gallery. Taking cues from Tintoretto, Whyte’s intensive brushwork is psychologically-charged and he has a penchant for theatrical and symbolic storytelling. Taking centre-stage at this exhibition is the diptych, Kevin, you’re next, presenting two visual perspectives on a street fight, exploring the relationship between play and conflict. “Through paint I direct my subjects as if they were actors and canvas the stage, maneuvering and moulding stories that reflect my life,” the artist has said.