ARTIST INFORMATION

Mark Orbell (UEL)

My practice is centred on drawing and painting. I have recently rejected photography, print and digital imaging because rather than being driven by the technology I want my work to be an expression of my own intent driven by intellect, creativity, emotion and expression. I draw no distinction between abstract and figuration because the only reality lies in the brush stroke or mark. I don’t try to make sense of the world. By painting I might analyse a subject or situation and rationalise something that may have remained hidden. I am happy for the viewer to make up their own mind about what is going on in my paintings, as the meaning is never closed or resolved. I want my art to draw the viewer in and not to alienate. I will regard it as being successful if it encourages questions. I believe that painting still has an important role to play in commenting on the nature of the world outside the studio.

As a teenager I won awards for my painting and was commissioned on regular basis. However I found the lore of rock music and its trappings more exciting. After a moderately successful career at first playing then production and finally management I decided to go back to full time education in order to equip myself with the skills necessary to make a success in the art world. I am 46, married with two grown up children and based in Upminster, Essex.

Exhibitions- group shows

June 2005– Free Range, Brick Lane
June 2006- the well , Old Truman Brewery
August 2007- Found Gallery, Trinity Buoy Wharf

View art from Mark Orbell (UEL)