ARTIST INFORMATION
Robin Clare
Born in Belize to Jamaican parents in 1978, I have lived and worked as a freelance artist and mural painter in Jamaica, Canada and the UK. In June of 2004 I graduated with a BA in Painting from Camberwell College of Arts, part of the University of the Arts London. Since graduating I have worked full time as an artist and am currently based in Brighton, UK. In my capacity as an artist I have been invited to exhibit my work throughout UK and in Europe between 2004 and 2005. I have also exhibited in Canada and Jamaica before coming to the UK . I have received a number of awards and honours during my artistic and academic career including a district of British Colombia scholarship and medal for art, an award from the British Colombia Arts Council in Vancouver, a grant from the Urban Community Trust for a mural commission based in London inner-city housing estate and produced with the help of a group of young people from the local community.
The subjects of my work are a response to reflections on the randomness and humour of the everyday that one can stumble upon while examining the world a little closer. In my work I use a number of techniques and approaches including line drawings, stencilling techniques and painting. The choice of technique is often dictated by the way my subject communicates with me. I enjoy using bright colours and strong visual lines in my compositions creating a sense of installation and drama on the canvas. My choice of subject matter is chosen initially for its humour but underneath the fluffy exterior the subject initiates a reflection of our society. Of particular interest to me is the relationship between mass production and the move towards a cultural of disposal.
I have drawn inspiration from the designs of the 1950’s and the movement towards design for the modern living. In which the object in the home was celebrated and created to make life easier and more comfortable. Now these objects, old, used, discarded lurk in alleyways and sit on sidewalks. So feeling most sorry for them I reproduce their images in all their splendour for prosperity. The result has been a body of work that is informed by both natural and man-made landscapes and the human mark made on them. Although there is a heavy undertone to some of my work it is my intention that the images still invoke responses to their natural humour and graphic appeal.
WHAT IS ART BUFFET 