Summer Exhibition Guide 2018

JOHN HARRISON

Illustrator and self-described news addict John may have his art stored at Balmoral Castle, but his work tackles decidedly grittier subjects.

By referencing imagery from past and present popular culture, the artist creates multi- layered, politically charged artworks. Past topics have included Brexit, NHS shortages and unemployment – all of which have affected his hometown of Newcastle. Transmitting his ideas via colour and shape, former computer animator John creates a build-up of textures and patterns by overlaying inks. He mixes all of his colours using a primary palette with opaque white and black before developing the piece further with a pen and pencil. When printing, he works fast and often includes live edits – making each print unique. John says: “ I’m inspired by artists like AndyWarhol and Peter Blake and aim to bring a deconstructed, sometimes subversive, lens to today’s topics. This is my voice in a very noisy world.”

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