Table of Contents
The Enigmatic Ithell Colquhoun
Ithell Colquhoun was a British artist, mystic, and occultist who lived in the early 20th century. Her work was characterized by its use of myth, magic, and surrealism to explore the concept of divine feminine power.
The Unsettling World of Ed Atkins
Ed Atkins is a name that may not be familiar to many, but his work is undeniably striking and thought-provoking. As an artist who specializes in exploring the darker aspects of human emotions, Atkins’ creations are a reflection of the complexities and struggles that we all face in our daily lives. His unique approach to art, which combines CGI videos and writing, allows him to delve into the depths of the human psyche, creating a sense of unease and discomfort in the viewer.
The Use of CGI in Atkins’ Work
Atkins’ use of CGI in his videos is a key aspect of his artistic style. By using computer-generated imagery, he is able to create highly realistic and detailed environments that are often unsettling and disturbing.
Her work is characterized by its raw, unflinching and often provocative nature.
The Artist’s Vision
Jenny Saville’s artistic vision is deeply rooted in her fascination with the human body. Her paintings often focus on the female form, exploring themes of identity, power, and vulnerability. Saville’s work is not just about representation; it’s about capturing the essence of the human experience. She uses bold, expressive brushstrokes and vivid colors to convey the complexity and depth of her subjects. Her paintings often blur the lines between reality and abstraction, creating a sense of tension and unease. Saville’s use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark, adds to the emotional intensity of her work.
The exhibition, titled “Rachel Jones: A Life of Colour”, is a culmination of her artistic practice, showcasing her unique style and technique.
The Artist’s Inspiration
Rachel Jones’s artistic journey began in the early 2000s, when she started experimenting with painting and drawing. Her early work was heavily influenced by the abstract expressionist movement, which emphasized the process of creating art over the final product. This influence can be seen in her use of bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colours.
Preserving Black Trans History through Immersive Storytelling in Video Games.
‘The Body is Not an Apology’ at the Tate Modern, Oct 2025.
The Power of Video Games in Preserving Black Trans History
In a world where traditional forms of storytelling often overlook or erase the experiences of marginalized communities, video games have emerged as a powerful tool for preserving and celebrating Black Trans history. Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, a renowned video game designer and artist, is leading the charge in this endeavor.
A New Form of Storytelling
Brathwaite-Shirley’s work challenges the traditional notion of what it means to tell a story. By using video games as a medium, she creates immersive experiences that allow players to engage with Black Trans narratives in a way that is both intimate and impactful. This approach not only preserves the stories of Black Trans individuals but also empowers them to take center stage. Immersive storytelling: Video games offer a unique opportunity for players to become fully immersed in a world that is both familiar and foreign. By leveraging this immersive quality, Brathwaite-Shirley’s games create a sense of presence that draws players into the narrative. Interactive storytelling: Video games also allow for interactive storytelling, where players can make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
Kerry James Marshall’s work is a testament to the power of art to transform and uplift.
The Art of Kerry James Marshall
Kerry James Marshall is a painter, sculptor, and photographer, but he is perhaps best known for his large-scale, hyper-realistic paintings of African American life. His work is a testament to the beauty and complexity of black culture, and he has become a leading voice in the art world.
The Early Years
Marshall was born in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in a family of modest means, and his early life was marked by poverty and hardship. Despite these challenges, Marshall’s parents encouraged his artistic talents, and he began to develop his skills as a painter at a young age. Marshall’s early work was heavily influenced by the Abstract Expressionist movement, which emphasized the process of creating art rather than the final product. He was also influenced by the work of artists such as Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence, who were known for their powerful depictions of African American life.*
The Artistic Style
Marshall’s artistic style is characterized by its lush, colourful, and hyper-realistic approach to painting. His work is often described as “big” and “ambitious,” and he is known for his ability to capture the complexity and nuance of African American life. Marshall’s paintings often feature large, sprawling compositions that are filled with intricate details and textures. He is particularly known for his use of vibrant colours, which add depth and emotion to his work.
Think again. Scottish artist Peter Doig’s latest installation, ‘House of Music’, at the Serpentine South, is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance.
The Concept Behind the Installation
Doig’s ‘House of Music’ is an immersive experience that combines music, art, and architecture to create a unique space that challenges our perceptions of sound and space. The installation is set in the Serpentine South’s outdoor amphitheater, a space that has been transformed into a soundscape of haunting beauty.
The Evolution of Gilbert & George
Gilbert & George, the renowned British artist duo, have been creating provocative and thought-provoking works since the 1970s. Their artistic journey spans over five decades, with a focus on exploring the human condition, social commentary, and the relationship between art and everyday life.
Early Years and Influences
The duo’s early work was heavily influenced by their experiences as young men in post-war Britain. They drew inspiration from the likes of Marcel Duchamp, Joseph Beuys, and the Situationist International, a radical art movement that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s.
He was a pioneer of the American Pop Art movement, and his work is now on display at the Tate Modern in London.
The Rise of American Pop Art
In the 1950s and 60s, American Pop Art emerged as a distinct movement, characterized by its fascination with popular culture, consumerism, and mass media. This movement was heavily influenced by the post-war economic boom, which led to an unprecedented level of consumer spending and the rise of mass production. Key characteristics of American Pop Art: + Focus on popular culture and consumerism + Use of bold, bright colors and graphic forms + Incorporation of everyday objects and images + Critique of consumerism and the banality of modern life
Wayne Thiebaud: A Pioneer of American Pop Art
Wayne Thiebaud was a pioneer of the American Pop Art movement, known for his bold and colorful depictions of everyday life.
Wayne Thiebaud is at the Courtauld Gallery, Oct 10 2025-Jan 18 2026. More details here.