David OM
Degree: BA (Hons) Fine Art
University: University of Northumbria
Graduation Year: 2007
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Selected for: Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017, John Moores Painting Prize 2014, Lynn Painter-Stainers 2015. Pre-selected for: Royal Society of British Artists 2015, BP Portrait Award 2015.
David OMs skyscapes and telescopes communicate a huge sense of scale. Observatories ogle upwards like giant eyeballs, and miniature figurines gaze outwards through trompe d'oiel windows – created by the frame that stretches the canvas. Showing us the back of the canvas in this way suggests that the image lies somewhere in the infinite yonder.
There is a sense of dignified Zen-like detachment to much of David OM's work, many of his compositions function through minimalism and juxtaposition clarified through studious critical practice. At the core of his work oscillates a pure sense of wonder alternating with a cold nihilism. His art often interacts with space science and astronomy whilst incorporating a metaphysical subtext that enables subject matter to assume new (often existential) symbolic meanings.
Astrophysics and figurine art are both subjects that capture the public imagination at present. Brian Cox meets London street artist Slinkachu with these playful reflections on the universe.
Artist Statement
Essentially I am drawn to the power of vastness and the context of the wider picture; the compelling journey from that which is constricted within to the cusp of the infinite. An existential undertow may be detected from ruminations on the metaphysical aspects of time and space. I seek to instil a pure sense of wonder in my work that will guide the viewer to tap into the awe of the sublime and transport the individual. I am particularly fond of a David Lynch quote postulating that the restrictions of the film making process do not apply to the field of painting and that indeed ‘painting is infinite’.
Group Exhibitions
(2022) Summer Exhibition, Royal Academy, London
(2022) RLWC, Hancock Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne
(2019) Cosmic Perspectives, Lumen @ SE1 3PL, London
(2019) 6x6, Rochester Contemporary Art Centre, New York
(2018) Life.Time, Marketplace Gallery, Manchester
(2018) Open Space, Grejzik Gallery, Scarborough
(2018) Portrait Artist of The Year, Wallace Collection, Sky Arts
(2017) Fresh Art, Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham
(2017) 887 Outer Space Surreal, open air, Falmouth
(2016) Scandinavian Pain, Barbican, London
(2016) The Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London
(2016) Interplanetery Sound Art, Listening Booth, online
(2015) How The Light Gets In, Hay Festival, Wales
(2015) Lynn Painter-Stainer Price, Mall Galleries, London
(2014) John Moores Painting Prize, Walker Gallery, Liverpool
(2014) Wish You Were Here, Magdalen Rd Studios, Oxford
(2014) Cluster 3, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London Docklands
(2014) 20² , Gallery TS1, Middlesbrough
(2013) Cork St Open, The Gallery in Cork St, Mayfair
(2013) Metropolis, Lauderdale House, Highgate, London
(2013) Group 5, Candid Galleries, Islington
(2012) Look To The Sky, National Glass Centre, Sunderland
(2011) Archways Without End, To & For, N.London
(2010) Elements, Horsebridge Gallery, Whitestable
(2009) Life & Liberty, Westbourne Grove Gallery, Notting Hill
(2008) Art Fair, Islington, London
(2007) Underpass, Gallery 540, Shoreditch, London
(2006) Stairs, The Foundry, E.London
(2005) People Show, Uni of Northumbria, Newcastle