Catalogue
Northern Soul
The Dancing, music and culture of the UK Northern Soul Scene has been for me a recurring subject for images expressing togetherness/loneliness, inclusion/exclusion. These works are also a commentary on a long-lived love affair with Black American Soul music. They are visual markers of exploration through 3 decades of music, dancing, people and places,.
Go-Go Happenning
Pastel on Heavy-weight, acid-free cartridge paper. 10ft x 7ft (approx). Created in 1991 in Glasgow, when I rented a studio there in an ex-Wills Cigarette facory on Hanson St. Made with reference to instamatic photo snaps and quick sketches made at numerous Northern Soul events in Northern England and Scotland. The painting aims to imaginatively communicate the culture and dynamic of Northern Soul in a parady of a Rennaissance religious painting, where Soul singers and musicians occupy the space in the heavens (actually a domed Ballroom roof), which is usually taken by Jesus, Angels and Saints. Transparent spirits fly among the cigarette smoke which have a more Native American/Totem vibe. Meanwhile the dancing, grooving and record-collecting continues...This painting was rolled-up and employed as a pavement-busking attraction during the completion process. I 'busked' in city centres such as Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, Bromley and Guildford, where it would earn me a decent day's pay.
