Performers & Spectators

In many of these works the concept of who is the performer and who is the spectator emerge. What is the performance and the event, what is on stage, what is backstage, what is rehearsal and what is the final performance? The viewer is both part of the performance and a performer in the action, but also a spectator who can stand back and claim to be innocent of the activities. Using this metaphor evidences the fact that we are all part of the action, we are all responsible, we have roles, and we can act. We can change the next performance. We can applaud, we can be the claque – the paid supporters, or we can be the hecklers – those who criticise. We can be author, director or actor, ticket holders or free loaders.

Lucha Libre

A placement. A collaboration. An inspiration.

A culture of colour. An under-culture of undesirables.

A fighting and a dancing.

A painting and a printing.

Imprinted, impressed, inspired.

Role Reversal

Role reversal explores the identity of Spanish culture around bull fighting. The idea of alternating the roles of the matador and the sacrificed trophy of the bull is represented in this triptych piece of work.

Old bull fighting posters were initially scanned and screen printed as base layers with fictitious matador names created to give a sub layer of humour to the work. Decorative boarder designs from old letter press was stamped around to give a nostalgic feel to the work again juxtaposing old and new technical printing processes.

Finally hand drawn separations were printed to represent the might bulls having the final laugh as they slaughter the humans for public applause.

Arena

Step into the arena for tonight’s big fight show down