Alex Dunn

In the 70s and 80s my work was conflicted as I battled with the two alternatives of abstraction and figuration. It was not until the turn of the century that I finally moved away completely from relying on figures and realism and embraced an approach without any reference to the objective world.

I have a fascination with repetition and with the characteristics of graphite as a medium, particularly the way in which large areas can appear quite different depending on the light source and the angle of viewing.  My intention is to produce pictures that are contemplative and timeless, that transcend any reference to the physical world and ‘every-day ‘experience.

My picture-making is concerned with nothing other than the forms that make up the image.  The ‘meaning’ of my pictures is unknowable.  Although I have a very clear memory of what thoughts and ideas I had while making a specific piece, I really don’t want to interfere with the engagement that occurs between the picture and the viewer by offering literal explanations.  From whatever source these images arise, I feel no need to explain them in an aesthetic or social or psychological sense - they are purely objects to be considered in their own right.

Gallery: Click on a thumnail image to view a larger version