ref: aWl Nov 28-Dec 4 2017 STUDIO 1.1 Alan Dedman - Open a 'pdf' of this press release - return to Galleries PR Index

Artworks by Alan Dedman

at Studio1.1 Shoreditch, London

Alan Dedman is exhibiting work at Studio 1.1 in Shoreditch during late November, early December

this year. The show lasts for one week; consisting of paintings and drawings - conventional nudes

and portraits made from observation and ‘automated action painting (spin paintings) with figurative

imagery worked into them.

In the 90s Dedman‘funked off to the West Country to become a lumberjack - after years of felling (and

planting) trees he resumed his practise as a visual artist. Dedman sought advice from an old dame of

British painting - Olwyn Bowey RA. Olwyn figured in Alans education both at St. Martins and the Royal

Academy Schools.

The former partner of Carel

Weight - Olwyn is one of our few

existing links with another kind

of London, not quite ‘the London

Nobody Knows - but a scene

born of the swinging sixties and

an altogether more democratic

society. “She gave direction and

focus to my efforts. I abandoned

a dilatory hotch-potch of

landscapes, cats, still-lifes and

the odd portrait, for studies

of the human form - beautiful

women, strong characters and

the work of modern masters”.

For one week: 28th of November

‘til the 4th of December 2017

“I am a physical person, not suited to sedentary work, offices or full-time city life. Traditional painting

is too plodding and stodgy for me. At the Royal Academy Schools a few of us strayed from the path; I

was fortunate to have my interests indulged at this point. Later, whilst I was using a chain-saw to cut

timber and Damien Hirst was (allegedly) using one to splice cattle, I took a leaf from his book. With help

from a friend we built a spin painting contraption. Currently I’m on Mk IV of these - and have probably

gained as much skill and experience as Hirst and his assistant, Katherine Howard”.

At Studio 1.1 you can see portraits and nudes painted from life in the tradition of the Royal Academy

Schools; contrasted with the same subject matter, worked through and into ‘automated action painting’.

“I’ve done hundreds of spin paintings, experimenting with materials and the physicality of the process.

I’ve looked at how figuration can be integrated with the activity - working from life in conjunction with

mechanical painting methods. This takes the process further and exposes (hopefully) post-modern ennui

and the potential cynicism and emptiness of the YBA aesthetic. Art doesn’t always have to be made in

London - the social buzz and effervescence of the capital help, but then so does fresh air”.

Artworks by Alan Dedman

Studio 1.1

57a, Redchurch Street,

Shoreditch,

London E2 7DJ.

12-6 pm or by appointment

www.studio1-1.co.uk

www.alan-dedman-artist.co.uk/wordpress

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