Mark Lloyd began his career as a graffiti artist in the mid 1980′s. He went on to study fine art at Falmouth School of Art, the Slade School of Fine Art, and Winchester School of Art. Mark is an artist that is not shy of addressing topical issues and philosophical ideas. An artist that is bold, expressive and always willing to create work with drama and impact. The concept, ideas and his subconscious metamodernist realism, certainly displays sincerity, a narrative and hope! Addressing heavy themes such as searching for God, the advancement of humanity and cultural identify Mark is an artist that communicates through his creativity. His mind is open, inquisitive and constantly evolving. An artist diverse and extreme, passionate and extremely talented. The numerous awards and impending gallery shows highlight the respect that both the public and the art world have for this unique and exciting artist. Mark it is a pleasure to show a small sample of your exceptional work and we are very excited to know you and follow your creative journey.
Self taught or art school?
Both, I began my art practice as a graffiti artist in the mid to late 1980s writing the name ‘ICON’ which was self-initiated. I later when onto study fine art at BA and MA level.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
I couldn’t choose just one, I find that an impossible question.
How would you describe your style?
Others have described my work as; nascent, post-postmodern and metamodernist.
Where are your favourite places to view art?
It might not be the most avant-garde answer but I adore all the major galleys in London, for example the National and the Tate. However wonderful art can be found in surprising and unusual places.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
I find this question another almost impossible question as to choose but a few is complex and difficult because they change as my practice changes and develops. This is a fluid process. I find the renaissance artists important, such as Piero Delle Francesca, Durer, Raphael etc to my practice as I utilise many of the compositional theories developed at that time. I adore Turner, Van Gogh, Matisse, Rothko, Dondi in the context of colour. Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Manet, Whistler are a few of the artists I examine in the context of light and tone. Many artists have inspired and influenced my mark making and drawing processes, Davinci, Basquiat, Pollock, Schielle, Bacon, Futura 2001, Jon one, Auerbach, are but a few. The painting processes and application I use are inspired by some of the conceptual and contemporary artists of the last 40 years or so. I am sure I have missed out many, oh I must mention; Chuck Close, Gentileschi, Newman, Hoffman, Ofili, Doig, Cheung, Semple, Paniagua, Rodchenko, Hokusai, Goya, Tellegen, Bowling, Saville, Bomberg, Richter, Hockney, Motherwell, Kline, Monet, Del Baldo, and many other painters worldwide.
What or who inspires your art?
Much of my art is inspired and underpinned by philosophy, particularly the work of Slavoj Zizek. Science and science fiction also inspires my work as well as the work of other artists.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
I am in the process of moving into a new studio (The Factory Studio’s) which is part of a multi-disciplinary community, which contains; photographers, graphic designers, CGI artists, printmakers, sculptors, installation artists, and of course painters. So its fresh and crispy clean, not for long!
Do you have any studio rituals?
Work Hard, inspire others.
What are you working on currently?
I am working on a new series of paintings which are in its early stages. The paintings are a search, an examination, or thought experiment made visual. The paintings are based on the concepts of quantum physics and the universe(s) and the concept of the human soul/spirit or the unquantifiable or unmeasurable element of the human condition.
Where can we buy your art?
From my website or many of my social media platforms; Facebook-Mark Lloyd Artist, Instagram – Lloyd Fine Art, Twitter – Mark Lloyd Artist, Artstack – Mark Lloyd, Tumbler – Lloyd Fine Art, or Saatchi art Mark Lloyd, fad-website – Mark Lloyd, Re-title.com, – Mark Lloyd Its all to much gallery Bristol, Studio upstairs gallery Bristol, Plinth Gallery Bournemouth, Eye dream pictures Gallery Bournemouth and from my upcoming group show at the Agora Gallery NYC.
What are your ambitions?
To make wonderful things and make a decent income so I don’t have to struggle financially.
Upcoming shows:
Shards Exhibition Bournemouth Group show July 14th 2014
Agora Gallery NYC Group show opening 22nd August 2014
You can view more of Mark’s work at http://lloyd-fineart.com/
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