Lee Coleman: Reprise

It’s been ten years since ‘Mr Faceless’ – artist Lee Coleman’s blank-faced character – made his first appearance at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre.

Since then Coleman has gone from strength to strength, and crowds have flocked to exhibitions and events featuring his distinctive character, as well as his more recent depictions of mod and pop culture.

Born and raised in Scunthorpe, in his mid-teenage years Coleman appeared in a number of productions for the local Youth Theatre and when one of his fellow cast members decided to leave and move to Liverpool, as a parting gift, he drew a picture. Coleman has been drawing and doodling ever since, making time to craft his emotionally charged drawings, often as a way of winding down from the stresses of his ‘day job’ – a paramedic for East Midland Ambulance Service.

Mr Faceless originally appeared as a character in Coleman’s first solo show at our gallery in 2008. He created his anonymous and enigmatic character as a way of capturing visceral or challenging scenarios without revealing facial expressions, using body language and location alone.

Despite the popularity of Mr Faceless,  in recent years Coleman has been concentrating on new work, often depicting his passion for scooters, music and Mod fashion. Now, after five years in hiatus, Mr Faceless makes his triumphant return to our Nave gallery, in what promises to be a suave and stylish exhibition, with a few surprises for Mr Faceless fans!