Artist's  Statement

Concepts

The work is a synthesis of New Science (String Theory, Chaos Theory, Fractal Geometry, Quantum Physics and the Zero Point Field, for instance), Art and Mysticism (e.g. 'Dreamweaver' 1995 and 'Xian' 1995). I have practiced meditation for the last 46 years and this has helped to develop the work over that time period: the aim also is to reconnect with the underlying reality beneath the surface appearance of the objective world and re-establish a change towards our spiritual essence again (e.g. 'The Pool of Life' 1990 and Omega Point 1987).  Theosophical teaching call this 'ether', in Buddhism  it is 'ch'i' and in Hinduism 'prana'. It is in fact the same Lifeforce and the paintings are an expression of those states of consciousness.

Influences

Spirituality and esoterically based painting and writing, i.e. Kandinsky, Mondrian, Gorky. Theosophy, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, T S Eliot, Krishna Murti, Rudolph Steiner, Prem Rawat, R B Fuller. Gamlan music, John Adams, Steven Reich, Philip Glass, Pablo Neruda.

Career path

I trained under Maurice Cockrill at Liverpool College of Art and Design (Foundation 1970-1971) which gave me a firm grounding in the basic vocabulary of painting and drawing, together with a very disciplined course for that period. I received a B.A. Hons (1971-1974) with tutor Brendan Neiland at Manchester Regional College of Art and Design. We learnt various technical processes, but most of the time we were allowed to develop our own path in order to create our own particular visual language. The contrast between the extreme discipline and the freedom of Manchester was very inspiring and gave me a strong foundation on which to build. The abstract language I now use has been a gradual process of experimentation over the last 40 years or so. Studies and research in the 1970s with cell, water and organic forms, and in parallel reading Taoist Zen Buddhist and Theosophical teachings, had a great resonance with me over this time.

The breakthrough from loose gestural forms came in August 1987 with the Double-Edging technique, which I have experimented with and pushed in various ways ever since, yet grounded by the aim of bringing a practical method to express these higher mystical states: in a way reminiscent of Kandinsky, Mondrian, Malevich and Arp, certainly in terms of their Theosophical ideology.

The work has been a conscious effort to go forward where Kandinsky left off. Very few later painters have pursued the Theosophical and Fourth Dimensional ideas on which his and, indeed, Mondrian, Malevich and Arp, among others, were essentially based. The synthesis of New Science (Chaos Theory, Fractal Geometry and the Zero Point Field, for instance) Art and Mysticism, has been a life-long goal. It has been unfashionable to discuss spirituality and mysticism in painting since around World War 2, with few exceptions, but the 'Underground Stream' of inspiration, I feel, comes from a direct connection with this underlying Cosmic Force or Primordial Vibration of the Universe.

Art Profile

Public and Private Collections

The Women's Hospital, Liverpool

Liverpool University Art Collection

Liverpool Hope University

Victoria Gallery and Museum-The University of Liverpool, Archive Collection

Atkinson Gallery, Southport, Merseyside

Private collection: Seaton Hall Art Gallery, Yorkshire.

Other private collections in the UK, USA, Netherlands, Australia, Germany, Spain, India, Nigeria, France and Italy

Slide and Art Libraries

Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Metropolitan Museum, New York

Victoria Gallery and Museum, University of Liverpool

Tate Britain, London (Library/Archive)

Bluecoat Studio 19, Bluecoat Arts Centre, Liverpool (2000-2006)

Publications & Catalogues

2023  'Travel' Creative Mind.  Poetry Anthology.  Preeto Press, Bolton UK.

2020 Pensees (104 Pages) HB (Liverpool)

2020 Transformation - Creative Mind Poetry Anthology (Poem:  'A Flower of Zen')  (Dedicated to Francis Huxley 1923- 2016)  Preeta Press.  

2020 Nature - Creative Mind Poetry Anthology (Poem: 'Lakeland Memories' (for Susan Austin) and Preeta Press.

2019 The Liverpool Dream (Anthology of 128 poems) (FREE DOWNLOAD, SEE GALLERY TWO).

2019 Half Hour Documentary DVD (Peter Corbett interviewed by Howard Jackson).

(OpenDoormedia.com).

2019 Love and Music, The Roger Eagle Literary Award.  (Poem: 'Setting the Tempo')  Preeta Press.

2019 Sub Cultures and Counter Culture, Creative Mind Poetry Anthology (Poem: 'Graffiti' for Bill Drummond)

2017 Shambala: A New Revelation (Liverpool) (80 Poem Poetry Anthology) (FREE DOWNLOAD.  See Gallery 2)

2017 Andrew Fekete Interview - "Out of Time" Victoria Gallery and Museum University of Liverpool (Video Interview)

2010 The Beat Goes On - Editors: Marion Leonard and Robert Strachan (Liverpool University Press).

2006 Artists in Britain since 1945: Volume 1, David Buckman.

2005 Ambit Magazine: 180th Anniversary Edtion, (London) (Poem: "Apple City")

1997/1999/2005/2008 The Best Poems and Poetry Anthologies (The International Library of Poetry USA)

2004 Peter Corbett Retrospective Exhibition University of Liverpool 'Autumn of Abstraction'  (1987-2002):   

Who's Who in Art

International Who's Who in Poetry, Europa Publications, London.

People of Today, Debretts, London

Merseyside Arts Directory

Dictionary of International Biography, IBC, Cambridge, UK

2016 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the Twenty First Century, International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, UK

2012 Public Art Catalogue Art UK, London, UK

2010 Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (Independant Catalogue)

2009 ForwardPress Poets 2009, Northern England, Forward Press UK (Poem: 'Liverpool' )

2008 Stuart Sutcliffe: A Retrospective by Clough and Fallows (University of Liverpool Press 2008)

2008 Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (Independant Catalogue)

2007 Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art (Catalogue)

2007 The International Who's Who in Poetry. International Library of Poetry, USA. (Poem; 'Winter Escapes')

2006 The Songs of Honour.  Noble House Publishing New York (Poem; 'Dawn')

2005 Celebrations Anchor Books England (Poem; The Secret Valley)

2004 Retrospective painting exhibition (1987-2002) The University of Liverpool catalogue.

2004 Lexmark European Art Prize, catalogue

2004 Designers and Artists Copyright Society, 20th Anniversary Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London, Catalogue

2003 Creative Mind Journal, article

2002/03 Photo of work in Direct Art Magazine, volume 7, New York, USA

2002 Photo of work in Art Review (The Gallery Guide), September

2002 Photo of work in Catalogue, Bluecoat Art Gallery, Liverpool, September-December

2002 Liverpool Arts and Culture Directory

2001 Brit Art Directory

2000 Photo and write-up of DFN Gallery Exhibition, New York, The Merseyside Arts Magazine, November/December

2000 Prestige Debut Artists NY 2000 Exhibition, DFN Gallery, New York, catalogue

2000 Memories the Millenium.  Best Poem and Poet of the Century - Prizewinner- International Library of Poetry  USA (Poem; 'Hilbre')

1999 A Journey of Revelation, Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (IND.)

1997/98 Parnassus of World Poets.  Madras, India (1997 Poem; 'Sleepwalker'  1998 Poem; 'The Secret Garden').

1993 The Pool of Life II, catalogue. Senate House Gallery, Liverpool University (University of Liverpool Press)

1990 Merseyside Visual Arts Festival, catalogue

1990 Merkmal Gallery, Liverpool, catalogue.

1988 Church Gallery, London, Catalogue.

1985 Peter Corbett and Jean Routley Paintings, Acorn Gallery, Liverpool Catalogue.

Otterspool Peace Festival  "Aquarian" Rock Band (one hour DVD).

 

Critical reviews and press coverage

2023 'The Peolples Eye' Art exhibition.  Creative mind.  Friends Meeting Hall, Liverpool.  (Mixed)

(Art in Liverpool Website,  Ian Jackson) 

2022 The Lerpoolian Newsletter Online Photo/Article Mike Askham

Wikipedia: Painters Born (1940 - 1959)

2019 ledcener.gq>907290 - peter - corbett

2019 meociophi.cf/1720191- peter - corbett.artist.liverpool

2015 Retrospective "Metamorphosis" Victoria Gallery, University of Liverpool

2015 Retrospective "Metamorphosis" Victoria Gallery, Liverpool Liverpool Confidential Review

2015 Retrospective "Metamorphosis" Victoria Gallery, Liverpool, Blouin Art Review

2015 Retrospective "Metamorphosis" Victoria Gallery, Liverpool Art in Liverpool Review

2015 Retrospective "Metamorphosis" Victoria Gallery, Liverpool, The Double Negative Review

2014 Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (Independent), Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope UIniversity "Ten Exhibition", Nerve Mag

2012 'The Flower of Life' painting loaned for filming 'Good Cop', five part drama for BBC television

2010 Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (Independent), Peter Corbett Studio

2007 Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art (Worldwide)

2007 Daily Post, Liverpool: Article & Photographs- Debbie Johnson, January

2007 Loop Overview 07, Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University

2007 "The Liverpool Dream"  (Art in Liverpool website) article by Ian Jackson

2007 Daily Post, Liverpool, U.K (Article by Debbie Johnson).

2007 Art at Cornerstones Gallery, Leap Overview (Art in Liverpool website, Ian Jackson).

2006 Life and Image Exhibition - Liverpool Daily Post and Echo Building (Art in Liverpool Website Ian Jackson)

2004 "Artist heads for Euro triumph", original article in the Daily Post, Liverpool

2004 Daily Post, Liverpool (Lexmark Art Prize)

2004 DACS 20th Anniversary Exhibition Independent Review

2004 Daily Post, Liverpool, Laura Davis on the Senate House Exhibition

2002 NY Arts Magazine, Volume 7 International Edition

2002 Gallery and Studio Magazine, Volume 4, February / March, New York, USA

2001 Neal Brown, Liverpool Biennial 2002 Magazine, write-up of exhibition

1999 Review of Exhibition, Merseyside Art Monthly, July

1999 Hanover Gallery Exhibition, Art Review, June

1993 Dave Grimbleby Review, Artspool Magazine, October

1992 Kate Markey, Nimbus Gallery Exhibition, Daily Star, Liverpool, October

1991 Phil Key, Royal Liver Building Exhibition, Daily Post, July

1990 "The Pool of Life" Film Documentary Liverpool, University of Liverpool Archive

1990 Phil Mather, photo, Avant Garde Magazine, Manchester, May

1990 Merseyside Visual Arts Festival Review by Phil Key, exhibition and opening with Richard Demarco, Daily Post Liverpool, 21st May

1989 New York Times Article - Tate Gallery, Liverpool, Surreal Objects Exhibition

1984 Two Radio Merseyside Interviews, (Eldon in the Evening).

 

Solo exhibitions

2015 (22nd May-31st Oct) "Metamorphosis" (Retrospective) Victoria Gallery & Museum, University of Liverpool.

2010 Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (Independent)

2008 Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (Independent) 'A Transformative Vision'

2004 Retrospective of paintings (1987-2002) part of the Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art, Senate House Gallery, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool  (Independent)   (Catalogue text.  Mathew H. Clough.  Curator).

2002 Paintings and Open Studio, Bluecoat Arts Centre, Liverpool (September)

1999 A Journey of Revelation, Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art (Ind), Studio, Gambier Terrace, Liverpool.

1995 Atkinson Gallery, Southport, Merseyside

1993 The Pool of Life II, Senate House Gallery, Liverpool University

1992 Nimbus Gallery, Liverpool

1988 Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool

1988 Church Gallery, London

1986 Royal Institution, Liverpool

1984 Pilgrim Gallery, Liverpool

1982 Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool

1981 Creative Mind Arts Group, Liverpool

1980 Southport Arts Centre, Merseyside

Group exhibitions

2023 'The People's Eye' Art Exhibition.  Creative Mind.

Friend's meeting house, Liverpool.  (Mixed)

2016 Horwich Arts Studios UK.  Creative Mind Art Exhibition (Mixed).

2014 Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University-10th Anniversary Exhibition

2013 Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University

2011 Life and Image II, Bolton Art Studios, UK

2011 Creative Mind Retrospective, Bolton Art Studios, UK

2011 Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University

2007 Liverpool Academy of Arts Exhibition

2007 Artfinder Gallery, Liverpool

2007 Loop Gallery at Liverpool Hope University

2007 Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art, Florence, Italy representing the UK.

2006 Art Auction for Dance Umbrella in aid of Merce Cunninghams 'Ocean' at the Roundhouse, London, Flowers East Gallery

2006 'Life and Image' exhibition, Daily Post and Echo Building, Liverpool (Curator+Artwork) (Supported by Heritage Lottery Fund).

2005 Mixed Exhibition, Art Cell Gallery, Barcelona, Spain (five person)

2005 The Cornerstone Gallery, Hope University, Liverpool

2004 Three artists' talks, Senate House Gallery and Liverpool University Art Gallery, The University of Liverpool

2004 Mixed Exhibition, Liverpool University Art Gallery, Liverpool

2004 Lexmark European Art Prize - UK Finalists, Air Gallery, London

2004 Design and Artist Copyright Society - 20th Anniversary Exhibition, Mall Galleries, London

2002 Influences and Innovations, Agora Gallery, New York (four person)

2002 Mixed Exhibition, Liverpool University Art Gallery

2000 DFN Gallery, New York

1999 Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, internet auction

1999 Hanover Gallery, Liverpool

1999 Academy of Arts, Liverpool

1998 Academy of Arts, Liverpool (two person)

1996 Three Month Gallery, Liverpool

1995 Merseyside Arts Base, (Open)

1995 Manchester Academy 136th Exhibition (Open)

1995 Grovesnor Museum Exhibition, Chester

1994 Merseyside Visual Arts Festival, Visionfest, Open

1993 Angelus Gallery, Winchester

1991 Royal Liver Building, Liverpool (two person)

1990 The Pool of Life I, School of Architecture, Liverpool University (two person)

1990 Alternative 17, Merkmal Gallery, Liverpool

1989 Royal Society of Arts, VSO Charity Art Auction, London

1989 Unity Theatre, Liverpool (two person)

1989 Positive Images Exhibition, University of Leeds

1989 NAPA Art Exhibition, Borough Museum Art Gallery, Newcastle, Staffordshire

1989 Surreal Objects Exhibition, Tate Gallery, Liverpool

1988 Merseyside Contemporary Artists Exhibition, Albert Dock, Liverpool

1988 Major Merseyside Artists Exhibition, Port of Liverpool Building, Liverpool

1987 Acorn Gallery, Liverpool (two person)

1985 Acorn Gallery, Liverpool

1982 Liverpool University School of Architecture (two person)

1979 Centre Gallery, Liverpool

Competitions, prizes and awards

2023 'Travel' Creative Mind Poetry Anthology (Preeta Press, Bolton UK.   Poems, Dantes Tour and St Paul De Vence.  Prizewinner.

2012 Poetry Rivals 2011, Slam Finalist (Adult Category) Forward Press, UK

2012 Poetry Rivals 2011, Competition Finalist, Forward Press, UK

2009 The Holt Education Trust Award, Liverpool

2006 Research Fellow, American Biographical Institute

2006 Greatest Minds of the Twenty-First Century Diploma, ABI

2006 Liverpool European Capital of Culture 08 Ambassador

2005 Genius Laureate of the United Kingdom (In the field of Art and Culture), ABI

2004 Great Minds of the 21st Century Hall of Fame (for outstanding accomplishments), ABI Certificate

2004 Lexmark European Art Prize, Northwest Regional Winner

2003 Poet of the Year (International Society of Poets USA)

2002/2003 International Poet of Merit Award (International Society of Poets USA)

2003 Outstanding Professional Award For Achievements in the Field of Art and Culture, ABI, USA

2003 Twenty-First Century Achievement Award, ABI, USA

2002 International Poet of Merit Award (International Society of Poets, USA)

2002 International Peace Prize, United Cultural Convention, USA

2002 The Best Poems and Poets of 2002 (International Library of Poetry USA)

(Editors Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry).

2000 Vincent Van Gogh Award, St Lukas Academy, Memmelsdorf, Germany

2000 The Best Poems and Poets of the 20th Century Prizewinner (International Library of Poetry USA)

2000 Albert Einstein International Academy Foundation, Honouree in recognition for outstanding achievements

1998 International Scottish Open Poetry Competition, finalist

1998 International German Art Prize, St Lukas Academy, Memmelsdorf, Germany

1997 Nominated for Poet of the year (International Society of Poets, USA)

1997 Editors Award for Outstanding Achievements in Poetry (ISP, USA)

1993 Honorary Professor, Acadmie Des Science Humaine Universelles, Paris, France

1992 World Lifetime Achievement Award (American Biographical Institute)

1988 Merseyside Contemporary Artists Exhibition, Purchase Prize, Liverpool

Accomplishments

2023 Poetry Anthology.  Creative Mind.  Presta Press, Bolton UK.  Poems:  Dantes Tour and St Paul De' Vence.

Prizewinner.  

2020 Pensees (104 pages) HB (Liverpool)

2019 'The Liverpool Dream' (128 Poem Anthology) (Liverpool)

2017 Shambala: A New Revelatiion (80 Poem Anthology) (Liverpool)

2015 Retrospective "Metamorphosis" Victoria Gallery, Liverpool Gallery Talk

2009 University of Liverpool (Special collections and archives Papers of Peter Corbett (1952 - 2009) (Sydney Jones Library).

2008 Nominated for inclusion in the Florence Biennale of Contemporary Art for 2009

2003 'Unexpected Illusions' Edited by Rachel Radford (Spotlight Poets, Peterborough UK).  (12 Poet Anthology).

2003 "The Pool of Life" (Liverpool) Book of Poetry, Hardback, Edition of 100

2002 100 Most Intriquing People of 2002 (A.B.I.)   

2001/02 Agora Gallery, New York, (Stable of Artists)

2001 "Tales from Erewhon" (Liverpool) Book of Poetry, Hardback, Edition of 50

1997/8/9  Parnassus of World Poets, Madras, India (Poetry Anthologies)

1996/97 Originator of Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008

1992 Gold Medal for Life-time Achievement (American Biographical Institute)

1990-91 Readings with Pilgrim Poets, Pilgrim Street, Liverpool.

1989/90 Merseyside Visual Arts Festival, Founder Member, Chairman

1989 Aquarian Odyssey I , II,  III (Keyboards - synthesizer - composer) + (Paul Simpson - Producer)

1988 Art of the Post-Modern, New Humanity Journal, London, May

1988/89 Merseyside Contemporary Artists (Founder Member)

1985 Unity Theatre, Liverpool,  Doctor F. and the T.V. Kids (Musical Director plus Composer)

1985 Otterspool Music Peace Festival, Liverpool (Aquarian Rock Band, main band plus laser show).

1984 Otterspool Music Peace Festival, Liverpool (Aquarian Rock Band).

1983-85 Founder of Aquarian Rock Band (Lead Singer Keyboards Composer) 150 songs.

1977/82 Creative Mind Arts Group, Manestys Lane, Liverpool (Member)

1973/4  1st XV Waterloo RUFC (Hooker)

Numerous single poem inclusions in poetry anthologies worldwide.  (Print and Cassette).

Life Member of Design and Artists Copyright Society (DACS)