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 Alan’s 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
“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