Thomas Elliott has established a social narrative in an extended series of paintings that possess the drama and pathos of the stage. Elliott’s monochromatic paintings are powerful explorations of human relationships. These allegoric works tell a partial story, enigmatic figures emerging from the darkness with mythic force to address each other and the viewer separately, creating a sense of the profound. Elliott’s humanism, expressive gesture and dynamic movement of figures, build toward compelling and commanding tableaus.

Elliott’s paintings provide a sense of hunger and hope. They are imbued with humanism, spirituality and above all tenderness. His works contain heightened emotions where the role of gesture is central. Figures help and comfort each other in moments of gentle compassion, each individual asserting themselves within the group as Elliott addresses the role of identity and community.

Elliott’s treatment of chiaroscuro, figurative composition and anatomy place him in direct lineage of concern to previous masters of the arts such as Francesco Goya, Rembrandt, Tony Fomison, Pieter Bruegel and Stanley Spencer.