2024 Contemporary Dance Series

This series of paintings was developed in collaboration with the late dancer and choreographer Richard Slaughter and photographer Tobias Key. Initially investigating how the body of a trained dancer can question truth and expectation, particularly when airborne, the work developed to add the experience of the viewer and how representation through the medium of observational tools can resonate more intensely with a contemporary audience. Colour becomes a tool to elaborate both the emotional power and physical appearance of the dancer’s body. It allows for powerful storytelling as well as capturing expressive moments in succession and then developing a deep dialogue between the imagery and its support on canvas. Some works embody a restful simplicity of form whereas others fizz with vibration and energy.

"...the creative act is not performed by the artist alone; the spectator brings the work in contact with the external world by deciphering and interpreting its inner qualification and thus adds his contribution to the creative act. This becomes even more obvious when posterity gives a final verdict...."

Marcel Duchamp
(from Session on the Creative Act, Convention of the American federation of Arts, Houston, Texas, April 1957)