About XGen 2

These six works represent the second set of drawings from my XGen studies, designed to explore, and riff on, the energy contained within a simple X form. I hope they capture some of the kinetic energy and life contained within the essence of the original forms too.

As I was working through a number of ideas for sculpting the first model for the series, I realised that there was the possibility of creating some quite lively underpaintings which would be flatter than the more sculptural XGen 3 works, but hopefully would still have some real interest.

The studies build on a simple X shaped grid that generates the underlying drawings, whilst simultaneously overlaying and experimenting with colour and mark making, to work up the images into something a little more painterly than many of my previous editions have been.

I’ve also been experimenting with a really beautiful new Hahnemühle metallic paper, that I first used on a recent Print Club edition. It has a fabulous pearlescent shimmer that takes me right back to my earliest days of painting and respraying custom metal flake finishes on Italian scooters. I suspect I’ll be using it quite regularly over the coming years.

I’m particularly keen to study the way the colour blocks can be manipulated to create a lot of edge interest. There’s a lot of technique required to make that happen, as you can imagine, the system needs a lot of pushing to really loosen it up!

I like the idea that the ink seems quite fluid, but also sits on a fairly rigid geometric grid. That combination would be hard to achieve off system I think, and as ever, I really enjoy seeing if I can make the digital speak with a little more soul, and just generally feel more haptic than might otherwise be the case. A lot of the joy, for me, is in the unexpected overlaps and misalignments in the final drawings.

I feel there’s something of Sean Scully’s style here too, I’m drawn to his works, but always with a slight scepticism. I tend to feel there’s something a little suspect about that bravura level of underworking, but really I think I’m just envious of the raw confidence he brings to his mark making!

In particular, I’m exploring the idea of using blocks of colour within each study, as opposed to toning the entire image area to create a more singular sculptural piece, as I have done with studies such as Lino for instance.

I like the idea that there’s a fairly rigid underlying geometry holding together something far more haphazard, almost random even, a built in duality that creates some lively tensions. In fact, there is a partially hidden mirrored symmetry to it all, which makes for a slightly Rorschach feel. So be it. You’re welcome to read whatever you like into that!

Allowing myself the freedom to just dive into the colour palette with less overt rationality, a kind of free jazz approach, is something I’m keen to do more of! It’s about trusting the process to some extent, going with your gut, and allowing the subconscious to become a bigger actor to create a less controlled outcome. It’s a way of working that gives a far looser geometric feel to the final images, and maybe more punch?

XGen 2 / CV5 in situ

Price and dimensions

XGen 2 / CV5 is from of a series of six studies, or variations. The drawings are realised as ten colour archival pigment prints on 340gsm, 100% cotton, Hahnemühle photo rag metallic fine art paper.

The work can be supplied unframed, or framed and ready to hang. I tend to use fairly minimal glazed and painted tulipwood frames, and set the work ‘straight in’ under the fillets, without a window mount. If you’d like to discuss framing choices to suit your space please do get in touch.

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Individually signed and numbered
From an edition of 48 prints, plus 4 APs

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Suggested size
Sheet size ⋅ 80cm H x 80cm W
Image size ⋅ 66cm H x 66cm W

Artwork only, ready to frame ⋅ £680 ⋅ Add to cart
Dry mounted and fitted with a hand painted tulipwood frame ⋅ Enquire

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Purchase this work ⟶

Publications /

12, an overview of twelve years in the studio

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Link here to view the catalogue ⟶

Associated works