Artwork that explores the anxiety of the social media generation

Tanya Baxter normally sources works from established blue-chip artists – the likes of Damien Hirst and Banksy, Francis Bacon and David Hockney.

But once a year, the influential art consultant puts her considerable might behind artists who are at a much earlier stage of their careers.

“We select artists to promote who have something special and we feel it is our responsibility to encourage young talent, as well as giving them a platform to be seen by a discerning audience,” Baxter explains.

This year, the chosen artist is Rhed. He hasn’t started his course at Central St Martins, yet his bold use of colour and expressionist style is already turning the right heads.

Rhed’s paintings include pictorial references to the stress of social media, as well as the anxiety the younger generations face in terms of drugs, self image and pressure.

“He has terrific conviction – he can become a spokesman of his generation,” says Baxter.

Rhed’s first solo exhibition was held at Tanya Baxter Contemporary on King’s Road this summer.

His work is available through the gallery.