I am a painter of modern life. My work has mostly been 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.
In the past, I have painted about the effects of new technology, for example the loss of privacy linked to authoritarian oversight, and also the emergence of social 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.
In each of these new paintings the narrative is fighting a battle for clarity. Viewers will have different interpretations based on their own experiences of life and art. Yet, I have no desire to pin down an exact meaning. Instead, I prefer to leave that to others, firmly believing that ambiguity never goes amiss in art.
I synthesize a variety of styles, making use of allegory, symbolism, and narrative. I draw on centuries of artistic tradition, looking to create powerful images that resonate with viewers, posing questions, and drawing the viewer in, hoping to generate a conversation.
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
1980-84, BA Fine Art Painting, 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