Joseph Dilnot (b.1997) is a self-taught artist who primarily works in oil paint, creating personal mythologies rich with symbolism. His lyrical paintings depict imagined worlds, blending nature, history, and personal memories, often infused with gentle humor. Inspired by the landscapes of the English Channel and South Downs, Dilnot's work often features solitary figures journeying through mysterious, dreamlike settings, exploring themes of grief, hope, and wonder.

It has been over a year since Joseph Dilnot participated in Mothshell Ambit, the inaugural group exhibition at Weald Contemporary. Since then, Dilnot has garnered increasing attention from both national and international audiences, captivated by his unique artistic vision.

We took 5 minutes to catch up with him in the lead up to his current two-person exhibition ‘Life’ with David Surman.

Joe, would you start please by introducing yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

Joseph - I was born and grew up in Brighton and now live in East Sussex and my paintings are a combination of personal experiences and memories as well as reference to history and folklore. 

I named the duo exhibition you are currently part of ‘Life’ as life is a key theme in both yours and David Surman’s work – a sense of energy, vitality and connection to animals seems abundant – where does this originate?

Joseph - since I was very young I have always taken an interest in the natural world. I still really enjoy learning the names of plants and what they do, identifying birdsong etc. I don’t really have any outdoor skills though, more of a fondness and openness to wandering around and finding something new when I go for a walk. I try to channel that into the paintings.

You have shown your work in Sussex and the South quite regularly since your first exhibition with Weald Contemporary back in August 2023, is there a particular part of the world you would like to see your work exhibited in the future?

Joseph - Anywhere!

Do you feel like growing up in East Sussex has influenced your work?

Joseph - local landscape and my interpretation of its history do play a large part in the paintings. It is quite a low-key county with gently rolling hills and welcoming woodlands. Ever since I was a child I have filled these locations with imaginings of an epic history, strange events and phenomena, the paintings are a continuation of that. 

There is an otherworldliness to your work, do your dreams play a part in your subject matter?

Joseph - dreams certainly do. I try to switch my brain off to find a sweet spot between wake and sleep. For me, that's where the best ideas are hiding. 

What are your favourite books, which do you feel have had an influence on your painting?

Joseph -I’ve only really properly started reading this year as it’s something I’ve always struggled with. I’ve been reading more historical books recently, they can provide a lot of inspiration. If anyone wants to suggest something I should read, I'm very open. 

What are you reading at the moment?

Joseph - I am currently reading ‘The Anglo Saxons’ by Marc Morris. 

You once shared your ceramic work with me, which was of great interest, how do you see your work evolving in the future, and what new themes or mediums interest you?

Joseph - will certainly be returning to ceramics and sculpture in the future, I really do enjoy it and I think they accompany my paintings well. I’m open to working with anything as long as it serves the art and message I’m looking to deliver, all in good time! 

Thanks Joseph!

View artwork by Joseph Dilnot