Emerging from Manchester’s vibrant art scene, Brazilian-English artist Tomas Gittins is set to unveil his debut solo exhibition, “Pursuit of Joy,” at London’s Toxic Arts Gallery. Opening on June 6, 2025, this exhibition marks a significant milestone in Gittins’ career, showcasing over ten new works that delve into the complexities of joy as a conscious, daily choice.
Artistic Vision
There’s a storytelling element at play here, figures that appear mid-thought, mid-stride, or mid-reckoning. These characters are expressive but ambiguous enough to hold different meanings depending on the viewer. Gittins’ pursuit is not just style, it’s psychological and deeply reflective.
“Pursuit of Joy” presents over ten new works, each of which continues Tomas’s exploration of joy, not as an end goal, but as a recurring decision we make each day. Each piece captures fleeting feelings and emotional nuances with both immediacy and care.
Shaping a New Scene
Tomas Gittins is part of a fresh, fearless wave of UK-based artists rewriting the rules of contemporary art. Instead of waiting for recognition from the traditional gallery circuit, he, like many of his peers, is carving out an alternative path: one that feels modern, accessible and rooted in everyday culture.
It’s not just about showing in unexpected spaces, though Toxic Arts is brilliant at that. It’s about who the work is for. For Gittins, art should feel like it belongs to everyone.
A Signature Style Born of Contrast
Gittins’ paintings are instantly recognisable. Bold black outlines. Vibrant, almost defiant, blocks of colour. A deliberate balance between control and chaos, where a seemingly simple shape holds layers of emotion. There’s clear inspiration from street art and pop culture, but also an underlying restlessness, a tension between the playful and the profound.
You can sense that every figure is working something out, not unlike the artist himself. Whether it’s a nod to cartoon style or a modern riff on classic composition, each canvas is a declaration: art can be serious without being self-important.
About Toxic Arts
London-based and future-facing, Toxic Arts is known for platforming artists who challenge conventions. From showcasing work in old warehouses and abandoned nightclubs to launching exhibitions in hybrid spaces, they’ve become a home for the new generation of creatives pushing past the expected.
Their partnership with Salomon Sportstyle speaks volumes. As a brand that bridges functionality and fashion, Salomon’s involvement makes sense, not just as a sponsor, but as a collaborator helping to elevate culture in unexpected spaces.
At the heart of the Salomon Sportstyle partnership is a one-off, hand-customised XT-4 trainer designed in collaboration with Tomas Gittins himself.
This unique pair will be displayed during the exhibition and later given away to one lucky attendee via a special draw. In line with the show’s theme of accessibility and community, entry to the giveaway will be open to all visitors on opening night.
Event info
- Opening Evening: Friday 6th June 2025, 6PM–10PM
- Public Viewing: Saturday 7th June 2025, 10AM–2PM
- Location: Toxic Arts Gallery, 4 Flitcroft Street, London, WC2H 8DJ
- Presented By: Toxic Arts x Salomon Sportstyle
