Alistair Woods
www.alistairwoods.co.uk
@_alistairwoods
Statement:
My paintings are abstracted representations of every day and social observations. The compositions are inspired by anecdotal marks, found in the street that are functional and charming. They’re made using a combination of traditional and non-traditional materials.
The paintings are created using some traditional materials, but also adopt alternative ways to create marks such layers of applying, removing and covering spray paint and leather dye. The Surfaces are also treated with processes of engraving before applying paint. A Test of Character includes paint made from the iron oxide residue in the local water of a Welsh coal mining town and both are framed in Sheffield steel.
Within these pieces there are repeated references to working class culture, left-wing politics, underground subcultures and personal sentiments. They reflect on cultural and societal identities. There are references to trade union banners and the flags and banners found at football matches, both of which people stand under or behind to help represent and express their identity, made by working class people who have created interesting representations and messages using the materials and time they have access to.
A common thread within the trade union banners and football fan flags is the use of symbolism and iconography to express ideas and qualities. This is similar to the use of imagery in renaissance paintings and art history in general.
The titles for both paintings are a nod towards British sitcoms with both titles sharing old episode titles of the 1970’s sitcom Porridge.
www.alistairwoods.co.uk
@_alistairwoods
Statement:
My paintings are abstracted representations of every day and social observations. The compositions are inspired by anecdotal marks, found in the street that are functional and charming. They’re made using a combination of traditional and non-traditional materials.
The paintings are created using some traditional materials, but also adopt alternative ways to create marks such layers of applying, removing and covering spray paint and leather dye. The Surfaces are also treated with processes of engraving before applying paint. A Test of Character includes paint made from the iron oxide residue in the local water of a Welsh coal mining town and both are framed in Sheffield steel.
Within these pieces there are repeated references to working class culture, left-wing politics, underground subcultures and personal sentiments. They reflect on cultural and societal identities. There are references to trade union banners and the flags and banners found at football matches, both of which people stand under or behind to help represent and express their identity, made by working class people who have created interesting representations and messages using the materials and time they have access to.
A common thread within the trade union banners and football fan flags is the use of symbolism and iconography to express ideas and qualities. This is similar to the use of imagery in renaissance paintings and art history in general.
The titles for both paintings are a nod towards British sitcoms with both titles sharing old episode titles of the 1970’s sitcom Porridge.
A Test of Character
29 x 36.5 x 3cm
Oil paint, spray paint, pastel, leather dye, chalk line and laser cut engravings on board framed in Sheffield steel
2022
29 x 36.5 x 3cm
Oil paint, spray paint, pastel, leather dye, chalk line and laser cut engravings on board framed in Sheffield steel
2022