coca colo

Yuichiro’s paintings were my favourite in the Wimbledon degree show this year.

Something about them hums. Whether it’s the way the paint is applied, never flat paint but nuances and depths of colour making complicated greys. Or that the paintings ascend the normal Fine Art degree show tendency of a dirty protest, or showing your vagina, or the visual equivalent of screaming. They hold onto a humble sense of what they are; paintings of blocks of flats, concrete, bricks and grey skies. Painted satisfyingly well, and meticulously.

The image itself of flats and brutal concrete buildings, make me question whether I should find them appealing, or what? In this real world I walk passed these building and think “well, that is ugly, they should plant some trees around it or something…” but in Yuichiro’s world I’m happy with those flat grey faces, and those clean shadows, befriending the generous sky. Forget the trees.

They feel a bit like breathing in. Satisfying and without [...]

Dark Stars

Things to consider.

Could happen to you, being inserted into a giant ball full of heads suspended in space. Some of those heads look surprised, others look pleased if anything . With some tentacles insidiously wrapping around it and huge eyes with meaty purple eye lids staring down at you… And does it have planets instead of pupils? Incredible.

Reward - Craig Atkinson

Reward by Craig Atkinson. Published by Café Royal.

Reward - Cafe Royal

Cafe Royal 4 – Front cover and two of my favourite double page spreads. Cover by Henrik Drescher.

The Good Life

Story Sandwich

They talked about British coastlines. I heard about a “grandfather” who punched the ceiling until the plaster came down in pieces. He tore away at it until the rafters were exposed. Then he and his family climbed up, and out of a rising flood. It saved their lives. I thought that was terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

I remember a grandfather clock my grandmother used to have. It stood tall in the corner of her living room and I [...]