Untitled 11-j/k

Untitled 11-j (Top) and its partner Untitled 11-k (Bottom)

Oil on Linen 

2011

Untitled 11-i

For the past four weeks I've been working on a rather large painting at least by my standards, what is now Untitled 11-i. The painting measures 47" x 37" and at times as is usual when I find myself painting it has been incredibly trying, dreadful even.

Today though rather unexpectedly, I set to work and stood back from it after a few hours work and felt content with it for the first time, a detail of the second figures face and a full view of the painting are included after the jump.

A sneak peak

It's been a while since I've posted, its been a rather busy time with my Dad getting married, having manflu but more importantly - the past few weeks have been spent working on a new painting, which is currently residing in a makeshift studio I've set up at my Grandparents house.

It's not quite finished yet, but I've provided you with a sneak peak which may be found above. The full piece, which measures 47" x 37" is one of my more ambitious works which I've undertaken, something which Ruth, who was my tutor for two years during my time at DMU, constantly told me I had in me.

Watch this space, you wont be disappointed.

Resonance

A little heads up for those of you who may be unaware - my work, along with three fellow graduates (Antonia Eleftheriou, Gokulna Joshi and Daniel Proud), are taking part in an exhibition entitled 'Resonance', which is curated by Khush Nubian. She has arranged for it to be shown at the Nine Bar, 74 Narborough Road, Leicester.

All of the work is for sale and any inquires may be sent to either the bar itself, or directly through the artists.

It opened earlier this week, and will be running for a good two months, so don't miss it!

Thomak debuts

Well I went to the opening of the 'Open 22' on Friday and it was incredibly busy, which took me by surprise - though it was brilliant to see my work up and to see this entirely different space they've allocated this year was an experience.

This was marred slightly by the fact that the catalog of works in the exhibition, listed my name wrong! Someone had obviously been incredibly lazy at checking it and I'll now be known as 'Thomak Robertson', though when I pressed them on this it was insisted that they had spotted it, but 'too late', which is of little consolation.

Open 22

I mentioned a few days ago about the Open 22 exhibition which is going on in Leicester, I submitted one painting entitled Ian. This was the first time I'd entered the annual show and I'm pleased to say that I've got a place in it!

The show itself runs from the 13th of November until the 9th of January, all the details for it can be found here.

A little introduction

I think it's only fitting that I introduce the work which I'm currently working with, so below you for there are some examples of where I am in my practice currently. All of the paintings below and more can be found on my portfolio.

'Ian' - 2010

'Untitled 20' - 2010

'Untitled W' - 2010

The drive and inspiration I have for my work is based around several themes - identity and anonymity coupled with the passage of time and the implication of decay, both of the physical and mental state. I like to imbue a sense of temporality, as its something which we all deal with.

The figures are both framed and locked into isolation by the swathes of colour that surround them, much like our memories which serve to remind us of who we are, and what we've done - we cannot escape them and so they provide us with a mental prison which is of our own making.

Well

I've started this blog in the hopes that it'll provide me and others a view into my art and any inspiration I find.