Chaz Newton-Smith | “Memory of a Lost Street”

“Memory of a Lost Street” is a compelling digital painting by Chaz Newton-Smith, an artist renowned for weaving layers of time, memory, and urban life into his works. This piece stands as a vivid testament to Chaz’s process: a digital artwork painted from an original canvas, itself inspired by a photograph he captured in his university days and rediscovered within the pages of an old sketchbook.

The scene depicted no longer exists — the area has since been transformed by extensive redevelopment, making this artwork not just a creative interpretation but also an important historical document. Chaz’s ability to resurrect a vanished street through expressive, bold brushwork and a dynamic palette is a hallmark of his distinctive style. The piece juxtaposes the rigid lines of brutalist architecture with the warmth of worn brickwork and the sharp clarity of a bright urban sky, capturing both the vitality and the fragility of the built environment.

The artwork reflects Chaz’s signature approach: blending abstraction and realism to evoke a sense of place that feels simultaneously tangible and dreamlike. His digital interpretation preserves the spontaneity and energy of the original painting while embracing the immediacy and possibilities offered by modern digital techniques.

At The Springfield House Gallery, we are proud to present “Memory of a Lost Street” as part of Chaz Newton-Smith’s continuing exploration of urban memory and change. Through works like this, Chaz invites viewers to reflect not only on the passage of time but also on the ever-shifting landscapes that shape our lives and memories.