I primarily make acrylic paintings of men. My work used photography as it’s source material. As a gay man I am interested in showing how queer culture and ideas of masculinity are expressed through portraits which are made from social media posts.
I see the ‘selfie’ as a new form of portraiture and like how the ‘sitter’ controls their image through considered colour and filters.
My ‘sitters’ often engage directly with the viewer confronting them with their nudity or fetishism.
I am interested in expressing sensuality through colour, line, mark-making and emotion as a painter. I have work in public and private collections and also work to commission.
VIDEO INTERVIEW
Join us in this insightful interview with renowned artist Andy Sylvester, where he discusses his artistic journey and the prominent themes in his work.
ANDY SYLVESTER
My creative expression is deeply influenced by various sources, with social media serving as my primary muse. I am captivated by the concept of curated self-representation that we all engage in on these platforms. The vivid colors and intriguing lighting in the images I encounter on social media often catch my eye, becoming a foundation for my artistic inspiration. Additionally, the works of other painters play a significant role in shaping my creative vision.
I frequently reference their techniques and styles, incorporating elements of their artistry into my own work. This amalgamation of digital imagery and the influence of established artists fuels my creative process, guiding me to explore unique avenues of expression in my art.
In my artistic process, I primarily utilize acrylic paint on board or panel due to its quick drying nature, which allows me to make rapid changes and adjustments. This characteristic is essential for my creative expression as it enables me to experiment freely. I often employ a technique where I scrape and sand back paintings in progress, searching for the perfect form and color. Drawing directly onto the canvas adds an element of spontaneity and compels me to continuously shift and refine my artistic intent. I work with softer brushes and sometimes my fingers to layer paint, creating depth in colors and marks. Speed is key in my approach; I thrive on working swiftly, allowing me to establish an image within a short period. Maintaining multiple paintings in progress simultaneously is my practice; this allows each piece to breathe and grants me the time to analyze them thoroughly, aiding me in determining the next steps in their progression. This multifaceted process ensures that my creations evolve organically, capturing the essence of my artistic vision.
