Living Artists Contemporary Art Auction
Lot 367:
SHIPS FROM London, United Kingdom Odyssey statement: The paintings are a series of twelve that collectively make up the ?Odyssey? project. The works have two intertwined narratives, the first is a personal journey and the second is a conceptual exploration of the nature of time and technology. The works respond to a personal journey of overcoming trauma and grief. Prior to this project the artist?s works were visually and thematically much darker. However, after a period of personal losses, an unexpected incident occurred in which the artist faced the real possibility of losing their own life. In the process of healing and overcoming the trauma following this situation the artist noticed thematic similarities with Homer?s ?The Odyssey? of overcoming isolation, trauma and the hero?s journey arc. The artist endeavoured to turn a new page, attempting for the first time to create artwork that had a more positive tone and an uplifting visual identity. In doing this, the artist began investigating a theme of contemporary renaissance, attempting to tap into a modern state of being experienced by everyone living in the developed world, touching us all. By merging disparate aesthetics across time, technique and medium, the artworks aim to provoke discussion on this theme. Cultural references extend beyond just Italian art but also include Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Hindu and Egyptian imagery. The hope is to continue expanding and investigating a broader range of cultural artworks and symbolism so that the project can resonate with more and more people. The painting style is a balance of realism and expressionism taking motifs from Renaissance artwork. This is material that many have come to consider as outdated, overused and tired. However, the artist breathes fresh life into it via the fusion and clash with contemporary street art which by contrast is a relatively new and underground art form. This prompts an inquiry into the diasporic nature of contemporary society, especially post-internet. We are prompted to question the nature of our interactions within a society that has immediate access to information; how we can combine information, art and literature across wide expanses of time. This is something only contemporary art can address, though there is often an over-reliance on digital media and digital creation to address these subject matters. Hence, the Odyssey Project sets out to frame a ?contemporary renaissance? with historical references harking back to the 14th-17th century artistic movement. This investigation continues with the introduction of the X-Ray aesthetic. By having this third motif the works question the nature and validity of information. We know Pegasus is fictional but once in the form of an X-Ray we begin to open our minds to the potential of a biological reality or possibility. When we see it merged with a statue it further blurs the lines between fiction, art and science, a common experience in the post internet era. These themes and messaging are reflected even in the process of making the works. The back and forth between traditional sketching to digital photoshop back to the canvas reflects the efficiency and diversity but also the chaos of modern art making. The paintings of individuals are realistic as if they were in the renaissance style but depict statues rather than people acknowledging that the time and style is long gone. The street art is painted using different techniques and stands out amongst the more traditional characters but is still painted in the same medium (oil on canvas) rather than aerosol. This should result in a messy discombobulation of references. However, by tying it all together through contemporary design practices, taking inspiration from modern music and fashion, the composition of the images gives the project cohesion. Through the investigation of these ideas, ‘Odyssey’ offers a unique aesthetic that causes the viewer to reflect on a myriad of conceptual and slightly surreal thoughts, resulting in a stimulating experience for any viewer. ARTIST BIO Stephen Sidney is an emerging award winning artist based in Brick Lane, London. The artist’s work is heavily influenced by their experiences and intentional upbringing having grown up across Europe and South East Asia, including countries such as the Netherlands and Indonesia. The artist studied a foundation degree at Arts University Bournemouth and graduated in BA Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, UAL in 2023.During his studies Sidney produced the award winning ?X-Ray Crisis? political oil painting and digital media series. Paintings from this series won the Prospect 100 x Meta History Ukraine global art competition, the head judge was Daniel Arsham. The artist later worked with the guest judge, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine to sell the works at auction to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees. These images were subsequently digitally displayed at Tate Britain and gained gallery representation for The Holy Art and Hook Art/ Buckingham Fine art, being displayed across London and the U.S. with screenings of its short film presented at Everyman Cinemas. Images have also appeared across several album covers including the Militant Music x Mind Charity album and event for charity.Project ?Odyssey? is a series of oil paintings still in development. The works have a conceptual investigation outlined in the artist’s statement but also a personal journey. Not long after being the first responder to a near fatal head injury his mother sustained, the artist faced the prospect of losing his own life after being assaulted by a close friend who tragically suffered from schizophrenia.These events completely changed the young artist’s perspective on life and ‘Odyssey’ served as a way to find peace after these traumatic events. Seeing parallels from Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ in overcoming trauma, isolation and finding a new purpose in life the artist became fascinated in mythology, philosophy and the hero’s journey arc. In this process of healing the conceptual investigation of a ‘modern renaissance’ emerged. The new works depart tonally and visually from the darker material the artist was accustomed to reflect this new outlook and direction.??
Condition: Good, as in the images
Dimensions: 100 x 70 cm
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