These works are a selection from the works created since early 2009. Click here to see more on Alexander Blake's website.
Alexander Blake and Sam Marsh studied Fine Art Painting together at Brighton University, back in 2005-08.
Working together from separate locations they explore computer art, drawing, collage and painting. By combining the dehumanised, dematerialised values of the computer with man-made mark-making, Alexander Blake and Sam Marsh explore the awkward relationship between these two distinctive types of visual imagery. This juxtaposition of media is mirrored by the artists' contrasting working methods; Alexander Blake's work is primarily concerned with non-objective forms, whilst Sam Marsh's work explores semi-representational themes. What they share is a thought process that asks ‘How shall I paint it? Not What Shall I paint?
The computer-generated work uses digital imaging and computer graphic editors such as Illustrator and Photoshop. Starting out with a basic image put forward from either artists’ visual archive, the image is then sent to the other via email. The recipient then proceeds to overlay, deconstruct or erase the original. This 'to and fro' process continues until either artist decides on its completion.
The paintings, made with both artists present, start in the same way and go through the same ‘to and fro’ process. What holds the whole body of work together is the energy both artists implant into the work, in an effort to build up a new aesthetic in reaction to forward thinking music, comedy and painting.
Alexander Blake and Sam Marsh studied Fine Art Painting together at Brighton University, back in 2005-08.
Working together from separate locations they explore computer art, drawing, collage and painting. By combining the dehumanised, dematerialised values of the computer with man-made mark-making, Alexander Blake and Sam Marsh explore the awkward relationship between these two distinctive types of visual imagery. This juxtaposition of media is mirrored by the artists' contrasting working methods; Alexander Blake's work is primarily concerned with non-objective forms, whilst Sam Marsh's work explores semi-representational themes. What they share is a thought process that asks ‘How shall I paint it? Not What Shall I paint?
The computer-generated work uses digital imaging and computer graphic editors such as Illustrator and Photoshop. Starting out with a basic image put forward from either artists’ visual archive, the image is then sent to the other via email. The recipient then proceeds to overlay, deconstruct or erase the original. This 'to and fro' process continues until either artist decides on its completion.
The paintings, made with both artists present, start in the same way and go through the same ‘to and fro’ process. What holds the whole body of work together is the energy both artists implant into the work, in an effort to build up a new aesthetic in reaction to forward thinking music, comedy and painting.
Collaborations are most powerful when they allow the participants to create something that is beyond their own personal capabilities.
The never ending possibilities of collaboration challenge the idea of authorship, appropriation and the definitive work of art. The work therefore belongs to neither one artist instead it has a dual or joint ownership. This democratic approach allows each artist to relinquish control over the work; the artists' plans are disrupted and undermined by every new installment, further leading to unpredictable outcomes. In this respect collaborating is most powerful and fruitful when it takes the participants outside of their comfort zones and forces new thinking.
Collaboration is a long standing artistic tradition more recently revived through artist such as Albert Oehlen/ Jonathan Meese and Christopher Wool/Josh Smith. Below are some more artist's exploring collaboration.
Scroll down to see Alexander Blakes Book.
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The never ending possibilities of collaboration challenge the idea of authorship, appropriation and the definitive work of art. The work therefore belongs to neither one artist instead it has a dual or joint ownership. This democratic approach allows each artist to relinquish control over the work; the artists' plans are disrupted and undermined by every new installment, further leading to unpredictable outcomes. In this respect collaborating is most powerful and fruitful when it takes the participants outside of their comfort zones and forces new thinking.
Collaboration is a long standing artistic tradition more recently revived through artist such as Albert Oehlen/ Jonathan Meese and Christopher Wool/Josh Smith. Below are some more artist's exploring collaboration.
Scroll down to see Alexander Blakes Book.
Sc
Alexander Blake and Sam Marsh
Nick Creber and James Trimmer
Ben Smithers and Alexander Blake
