The Palais. Acrylic pop art painting
Attention is drawn through layers of vibrant patterns and figures.
The word “Palli”, a colloquial form of Palais, evokes the atmosphere of mid-20th-century dance halls, the kind that Ray Davies’ sister René would have loved.
Doug usually frequented the Tottenham Royal, although many venues of the era shared the same lively energy.
Centrally, two women dance enthusiastically, with one turning so quickly that her skirt has risen, revealing her stockings and suspenders.
A moment perhaps only half accidental, it reflects the spirited ritual of the period’s dance culture, often captured in contemporary film and photography.
*Artist Doug Kemp with the Palais v1 Painting
A stance hinting at tension
A man stands on the sidelines in deep shadow, his stance hinting at tension, perhaps anticipating when to join the dance beside the two women.
On the right, the ghostly outline of a female dancer extends through several coloured sections, becoming a subtle yet vital part of the composition.
