Zabriskie Point - Four

Tension & Intensity

The word tension refers intrinsically to a state of tautness, providing for me a metaphorical image of a stretched object: for example a piece of string. If one were to view this state of tautness within this piece of string, one would surely be filled with intensity? Intensity that throws questions at the viewer, such questions as, how much more can it stretch? When will the piece of string snap? Will it snap? It is these questions that are of interest to my work and me. If something as simple as a piece of string can provide a sense of tension and intensity, then can the same be applied to a piece of artwork and it still remains fine art and not entertainment? Or is fine art a form of entertainment?

UPDATE: Sue Ryder Care - Art Liberating Lives Submission

Liaising with the lovely people heading the "Art Liberating Lives" competition has scored me a web presence regarding me and my artwork; my favourite line being "we love Daniel and his work". However a small mistake has been made as I am not as old as they say I am, i'm only 20.

http://www.suerydercare.org/news.php/354/daniels_liberation

Also I have received an email from the competition informing me that my work has been selected for the second stage of selection. So my work is off to London and my fingers are "firmly crossed" until the 30th of November.

Zabriskie Point - Three

Zabriskie Point - Two

Zabriskie Point - One

Sue Ryder Care - Art Liberating Lives Submission

Self 2009

A study into gay masculinity led me from pillar to post around the subject of sex. The deepest and most natural needs each individual holds within them are consciously hidden; “Self” expresses the natural desires of people, by confronting the viewer with a bold and active pose. Francis Bacon’s archetypal blurred faces, extracts the physical identity of the subjects without removing personality. This forming the foundation of “Self”, I continued to push the idea further by thrusting the body towards the viewer: in a similar manner to Jenny Seville’s earlier work.

The choice of removing the penis, in my opinion, avoids the sense of invasion that could come with the character: pulling the piece away from the realms of being too brazen. Instead, a sense of liberation follows through within the work, carrying much needed confidence and assertion. With “Self” being a stepping-stone over the Mississippi river in terms of understanding and exploration, elements continue to conflict with my personal and developing outlook; yet I feel it stands well as an individual outcome.

Lawrence Batley Theatre Exhibition

Experiencing Life 2009

A literal reflection upon my past experiences in a series of armed robberies, which I was a victim: left concussed and scared, an urge to remember and record what happened fulfilled me, starting slowly with simple sketches and working up to three final composed scenes.

Using charcoal, each 7ft² drawing portrays a dramatised sense of brutality and masculinity, accented by strong levels and optimal composition. Inspired by the work of such artists as Ken Currie and Peter Howson: the bold markings aspire to carry the aggression through into the scene and out through the extremely twisted and tormented limbs of the victims.

The hope of each scene is to capture and condense the sense of horror that took over when faced with the situation. The life size expressions of both the attackers and victims also, in my opinion, aid the battle between dismay and compassion by accentuating the tension between the two.

Location: Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield

Date: 31/10/2009

http://www.lbt-uk.org/monthWO.html