D/O.76 - Simon Mark

I was initially attracted to the idea of showing at Disorder Gallery when I read its manifesto, to "Disrupt the Regular". I also believe that "Art has always been at the forefront of social change, making important statements and changing the way we think and behave” and that "Art can make a difference". Given this, I have written a promo designed to cause disruption or, at least, disquiet.

I feel that this is the best way to cause people to reflect on truths about society hitherto they may not have been aware. I feel a deep concern that our comfortable world is on the brink. By the second half of this century, food resources will be scarce, climate will bring the oceans up to front doors, and democracies will be under threat, thanks to AI and social media interference from authoritarian regimes. The time is now to speak about psychological motivations which are causing our possible social disintegration.

I find the Psychology of Society to be absolutely fascinating. I am enthralled by ideas as to why we behave the way we do both as individuals and as a horde. It is the task of an artist to expose these behaviours as well as to visually and verbally discuss concepts concerning our habits and practices, their influences and causes. I want to know why we are the way we are. My main attraction to societal behaviour is the plight of MaNhood. Many Men are lost. The biggest killer of men is themselves, yet suicide remains a fearful subject to expose.

On a lighter note or, perhaps a more sinister one, is the general public being alerted to the existence of UFO’s (or UAP’s), as shown from recent leaks of videos by U.S. Naval aircraft. I used to consider persons who reported UFO sightings as being either attention seekers, mistaken or deluded. Now I know many reports were genuine. The U.S. Congress 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon' Oversight Committee Hearing has been assessing amazing information garnered from the Pentagon, who have admitted to lying about their existence and study. I haven’t personally seen such phenomenon but I like to leave my mind open to any and every possibility. I often put a UFO into the sky of my paintings.

On a technical level, I like to paint fast, with fluid, oily paint. I want you to feel as though time is passing as you view the scene, rather than time ’stilled’. Many of my paintings take a few layers to find the right combination of composition and colour contrasts, others, just one. I often like to use Sgraffito in my paintings, scratching out cityscapes, planes and UFO’s in the sky.

This exhibition’s work explores the separateness of men, their apparent roles, their fears and foibles. I hope you are intrigued.

Simon’s work will be on display from September 14th through September 30th at Disorder Gallery