I am a painter of modern life. My work is often derived from observations of my environment. But it also includes works of the imagination, some drawing upon a background in science and technology, and a lifelong interest in history, politics, literature and cinema.
In the past, I have painted about the effects of new technology, for example the loss of privacy linked to authoritarian surveillance, and also the emergence of social media influencers. I have also made paintings and prints alluding to the rise of right-wing extremism in the UK while also celebrating cross-cultural influences in British society.
My recent paintings and digital prints touch upon interpersonal relationships and humanity’s connections, or lack of them, with environmental issues, a subject that I first tackled more than thirty years ago.
I synthesize a variety of styles, drawing upon centuries of artistic tradition. I use allegory, metaphors, symbolism, and narrative, looking to create images that resonate with viewers.
In each of these works, any precise meaning is fighting a battle for clarity. Viewers will have different interpretations based on their own experiences of life and art. Yet, unlike in science, I firmly believe that ambiguity has its place in art.
At the root of my practice is a wish to engage with this question: Can painting provoke a constructive discourse about the modern world? My ambition is to show that it can.
Essays about my work can be found here.
Selected Exhibitions
2023, London Art Biennale 2023 – ICAC Art Critics Award Winner
2021, #Shape of the New, Virtual Exhibition
2017, This England and Other Edens, Martyrs’ Gallery, Lewes (solo)
2015, Capturing the Spectacle: Paintings of Modern Life, Hop Gallery, Lewes (solo)
2014, John Moores Painting Prize 2014, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
1995, Woodlands Art Gallery, London
1994, Angela Flowers Gallery, London (solo)
1991, Wolfson College, Oxford
1991, Bruton Street Gallery, London
1989, Sandra Higgins Gallery, London (solo)
1989, Camden Art Centre, London (solo)
1984, Camberwell Printmakers, Intaglio Printmaker, London
1983, Stowells Trophy, Royal Academy of Arts, London
Education
Art
1984-85, Postgraduate Printmaking, Camberwell College of Art
1981-84, BA Fine Art Painting, Camberwell College of Art, London
1980-81, Foundation Course, Camberwell College of Art, London
Science and Technology
2000-2001, Diploma in Computing, The Open University
1970-73, BSc Aeronautical Engineering, The City University London
Teaching
Art
1991-94, BA Fine Art, Camberwell College (The London Institute)
Science and Technology
2000-05 BSc Software Engineering, The Open University, Arab Open University, Oxford University, University of Hertfordshire