Original artwork description:

“Market” is the second in a new series of paintings. It is an acrylic painting 114x85cms on canvas. The 8oz un primed canvas is stretched over a custom made 3cm deep wooden stretcher reinforced with steel corner braces. This series of paintings has been inspired by the colours and landscape of India, both urban and rural. I recently attended an exhibition by leading Indian artist Bhupen Khakhar at Tate Modern in London. Bhupen Khakhar’s paintings are alive and saturated with colour. His works are figurative and concerned with the human body and its identity. His paintings also contain informed references to Indian mythology and mythological themes. Without exaggeration this exhibition was one of the most inspiring painting shows I have ever seen. As a ‘colourist’ Bhupen Khakhar is second to none. “Market” refers to the busy and buoyant markets you might find in Mumbai, Jaipur or Jodhpur. The painting is based on an idea of a busy market environment where the colours of textiles and foods permeate the space. The painting tries to describe the unique and wonderful humanity that is part of everyday life in Indian culture. This work is created 'from a distance' . It is an expression of a love and respect for Indian culture and society. I think it is a joyful painting. I work on custom made frame stretched 8oz un primed cotton canvas. The un primed canvas allows dichlorotriazine dyes to saturate and bleed into the working area. I work over the dyed canvas using brushes, knives, cloths and squeegees to manage layers of acrylic paint. It is a continuous process of ‘correction’. I use text to invite in and suggest a way of looking at art work. The text doesn’t so much provide clues but hopefully invites the viewer to create their own understanding.

Materials used:

Acrylic paint, dyes and crushed sea shells