Stencil Based Artwork
Artist Statement:
"As a photographer capturing the vibrant energy of the new Generation Jazz musicians performing live in the bustling city of London, I find myself drawn to the intersection of music, culture, and urban art. My passion lies in transforming these evocative photographs into stencil-based artworks, breathing new life into the streets and engaging with a diverse audience. Through my lens, I aim to capture the raw essence and improvisational spirit of these talented musicians as they navigate the ever-evolving jazz scene in London. Each click of the camera shutter freezes a moment in time, preserving the unique harmonies, rhythms, and emotions that resonate in their performances. These photographs serve as the foundation for my artistic exploration.
Utilizing the power of stencils, I reimagine these photographs in a dynamic and expressive manner. I meticulously translate the intricate details and soulful expressions of the musicians onto various surfaces, embracing the inherent grit and texture of the urban landscape. The stencil technique allows me to combine the visual language of photography and street art, forging a compelling connection between the world of music and the vibrant streets of London.
When I install my stencil-based artworks in public spaces, I aim to transcend the traditional confines of galleries and engage with a wider audience. By bringing these images to the streets, I foster a unique dialogue between art, music, and the city itself. Passersby are invited to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the captivating narratives encapsulated within each piece and the imagery around them. I hope to ignite conversations about the power of live music, the cultural fabric of London, and the role of art in shaping our urban environments.
My artistic process is an ongoing exploration, driven by a deep appreciation for the rich musical heritage and contemporary jazz scene in London. By capturing the essence of the New Generation Jazz musicians through my photography and transforming these moments into stencil-based art, I seek to pay homage to the vibrant collages of sound and creativity that fills this cosmopolitan city.
Ultimately, my goal is to foster a sense of connection, both between the viewer and the subject, as well as between art and the urban environment. I invite you to join me on this visual journey, where the soulful melodies of jazz merge with the rhythm of the streets, offering a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of London's musical and artistic landscape.
Max Cyrus: The Uprise EP
For the last 8 months, I've been working with Max Cyrus on visual designs and realisations for the launch of his EP, "The Uprise". The portrait I painted of him was used as the main image on the EP and I also had the opportunity to do the graphic design for the vinyl release. You can see more of these on this page of the website.
Whilst the Max Cyrus Uprise project fits into the genre of Hip Hop/ Rap, Cyrus uses Jazz inflections in his compositions and wrote incidental music for the HBO Max documentary, "Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance".
The Uprise EP also features London rapper K Triggz and enduring Soul legend Omar Lyefook MBE
Whilst the Max Cyrus Uprise project fits into the genre of Hip Hop/ Rap, Cyrus uses Jazz inflections in his compositions and wrote incidental music for the HBO Max documentary, "Uprooted: The Journey of Jazz Dance".
The Uprise EP also features London rapper K Triggz and enduring Soul legend Omar Lyefook MBE
Artcan Exhibition: "Stories 1" at the News Building (The "Baby Shard")
It was great to get back into the groove of exhibitions and displaying artwork after the Covid pandemic limited these instances. I was one of several artists helping ArtCan founder Kate Enters install artwork at the News Building in Southwark, often referred to as the "Baby Shard" because of its proximity to the Shard itself. the A version of my stencil-based portrait of Jaz was selected for the "Stories 1" exhibition, curated by Kate Enters and the team at Artcan (September 21-present).
Lockdown Artworks 2020
Private client commission: Darius Brubeck Quartet
Portrait of Max Cyrus
|
Portrait of musician, Matt Ridley
|
Art Maze @Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, London: November 2019
Talented Art Fair @truman Brewery, Shoreditch, London: March 2019
Flux Exhibition/ Fusion IV Exhibition, Islington, London: Spring 2018