Angular perspectives

Geometric intersecting lines, strong colours and hallucinatory compositions – it might appear that artists Dalek (pictured) and Delta have more in common than striking pseudonyms. However, although their work appears to have similarities, it is actually diametrically opposed, says Paul Jones, owner of London’s Elms Lesters Painting Rooms, who is bringing the artists together for the first time in an exhibition later this month. American James ‘Dalek’ Marshall’s background as a street artist has informed his approach to painting. Having spent a year as an art assistant to Takashi Murakami, he honed a technique of applying flat blocks of colour and playing with exaggerated shapes and optical perspectives, with his recent work becoming more abstract. Dutchman Boris ‘Delta’ Tellegen is a pioneer of the European graffiti movement. Leaving his tag for the first time in 1984, he has since developed a complex style that resembles isometric plans, and plays with ideas of architecture and futuristic vehicles. He experiments with complex architectural paintings, collages and 3D sculptural wall pieces, playing with perspectives. Reminiscent of the old Utopists and Constructivists, his work offers a portrait of industrial architecture and urban detritus. ‘Marshall’s use of straight line and colour is all to do with the “super flat” surface and the ambiguity of the exaggerated optical perspectives, while Tellegen’s focus is on surface, texture and shadows,’ says Jones. ‘While I have exhibited both artists within larger group shows, I thought this two-man show would challenge and stimulate viewers.’

Dalek & Deltais on at Elms Lesters Painting Rooms, 1-5 Flitcroft Street, London WC2, from 28 August to 26 September