Diversion Tactics

“Diversion Tactics” combines three metal constructions that can each work as frames for the paintings that are fitted within. The aim is to push painting away from the illusion of a space within a painting, and instead towards objectness. An object-like painting becomes as much about physical presence as the interaction with the emotion, subject, or idea which it is representing. But why try to make a painting more object-like? Why not just make a sculpture? There is something important about objects: objects are external rather than internal – they exist in our physical space and time – and not just in our minds.

The key to this is my interest in representing landscapes. I want to take this form of representation away from the traditional associations with the Picturesque, of the landscape as a distinct, composed image. I am creating landscape artworks that encompass the extra dimension that is so crucial to the experience of landscape as the combination space, topography, atmosphere and form… time. By creating landscape images within three dimensional structures the viewer has the opportunity to physically explore and “travel” through and around the work.

Diversion Tactics
​​2019
Oil Paint on Linen and
​ canvas and Steel
​320x250x100

Photos by Benjamin Deakin