Original artwork description:

This is a portrait of my friend painted in 2008. The painting is a study of the male form, exploring the various colours and skin tones. The image comes from a time many years ago and explores someone who is Cornish/ English with a Pakistan background. This painting was created during a time where I was looking at the various cultural backgrounds of England and how Britain (like many other countries) is an amazing country in the way it accepts different cultures into the country throughout the years, each bringing something new to the culture of Britain, leading to the further evolution of British Culture.

The painting is a response to the importance of cultural diversity and the importance of various cultures - reacting against those who seem to fear change, without realising the importance various cultures have on the sustainability of a country. Lately I have been concerned by the way our current Government (Conservative) talks about promoting 'British values', without giving any insight into what is meant by this statement - because British values and culture has always been something built upon by those who come to the country, and throughout history many cultures have influenced and helped propel a nation into a brighter future leading to its advancement, leading to greater understandings. Something very important to the survival of a progressive country. Afterall, most countries and their cultures in the world are the result of immigration and emigration and the exchanging of ideas and information.

Materials used:

Oil Paint on Stretched Canvas

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