Mark Gisbourne

Month: June 2018

  • Where’s Boris? The Art of Political Hide and Seek

    Where’s Boris? The Art of Political Hide and Seek

    Where’s Boris, 2019
    Gouache on paper
    21×29.7 cm

    Ah, the colorful chaos of British politics in 2018! One moment you’re discussing the finer points of parliamentary procedure, the next, you’re wondering where on Earth your Foreign Secretary has vanished to. Inspired by one such episode of political peek-a-boo, I present to you my latest gouache painting, “Where’s Boris?”

    For those who may have missed the drama, let’s rewind to June 2018. Picture this: The expansion of Heathrow Airport is up for a critical vote in the House of Commons, and it’s a highly contentious issue. Our Foreign Secretary at the time, Boris Johnson, had previously voiced strong opposition to the expansion, a stance that resonated with many of his constituents in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. However, when the time came for the decisive vote, Boris was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was on an unannounced diplomatic trip to Afghanistan.

    This absence sparked a flurry of media coverage and public outcry, with many questioning the timing of his trip and the sincerity of his opposition to the Heathrow expansion. It wasn’t just about his physical absence from the vote, but a deeper inquiry into his commitment and accountability as a public servant during a pivotal moment.

    The Inspiration Behind the Painting

    My painting “Where’s Boris?” is a whimsical yet pointed commentary on this moment. Using bold hues of pink and yellow, I’ve created a backdrop that symbolizes the confusion and alarm of the time. The distinctive blonde hair is unmistakably Boris Johnson’s, yet his face is conspicuously absent. This absence is deliberate, echoing the public sentiment of a leader who seems to be missing in action when he is needed most.

    The choice of gouache as a medium lends itself to the vibrant, almost surreal quality of the piece. Gouache, with its opaque and vivid properties, allows for strong contrasts and a playful yet striking representation of the subject matter. The bright colors and bold brush strokes mirror the dramatic and sometimes absurd nature of political events during this period.

    A Witty Nod to Political Theatre

    Creating this piece was not just an artistic endeavor, but also a form of social commentary. It captures a slice of political theatre that is as frustrating as it is fascinating. “Where’s Boris?” is my way of inviting viewers to reflect on the expectations we place on our leaders and the impact of their actions (or inactions) on the public psyche.

    As I painted, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sheer absurdity of the situation. Here is a leader, caught in a game of hide and seek with the entire nation watching. The phrase “Where’s Boris?” has become a humorous yet pointed symbol of the times—a blend of exasperation and bemusement.

    Art as a Reflection of Society

    Art has always been a powerful tool for reflection and critique. With “Where’s Boris?” I aim to capture a moment that, while specific to the UK and its political landscape, resonates universally. It’s a reminder of how leaders’ actions (or lack thereof) can leave a lasting impression on the collective consciousness.

    So, here it is—my artistic take on a tumultuous period in British politics. “Where’s Boris?” is not just a question from the present but a timeless inquiry into the nature of leadership and accountability. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of political affairs, may we always seek to find our leaders, not just in times of clarity, but especially in moments of crisis.

    I hope this painting sparks conversations, evokes memories, and perhaps even brings a smile to your face as we ponder the peculiar game of political hide and seek that has us all asking, “Where’s Boris?”

  • Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018

    Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018

    Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018, 2018
    Mixed media on board
    21×29.7 cm
    Private collection

    Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018: A Reflection in Oil and Pencil (A4)

    This piece, “Summer Solstice, 21st June 2018,” is a culmination of my attempt to capture the unique atmosphere of the longest day of the year. Working on an A4 board provided a defined space, a contained world within which to explore the interplay of light, form, and texture. The combination of oil paints and pencil, a technique I find particularly engaging, allowed me to juxtapose the fluidity of color with the precision of line.

    The composition centers around the symbolic representation of a stone formation, reminiscent of ancient sites that celebrate the solstice. These forms, rendered in dark brown pencil, are not intended to be literal depictions of any specific monument. Instead, they serve as archetypes, representing the enduring connection between humanity and the cycles of nature. The pencil work is deliberately rough and textured, emphasizing the age and weathered nature of the stones. This contrasts sharply with the smoother, more luminous quality of the oil paint.

    The background is a wash of vibrant blues, yellows, and greens, suggestive of the summer sky and landscape. The light emanating from the central white disc—the sun—is the focal point. This area is built up with layers of thin, translucent oil glazes, creating a sense of radiant energy. The halo effect around the sun further intensifies this feeling of light and warmth, capturing the very essence of the solstice.

    Working within the A4 format presented its own set of challenges. The limited space required a careful consideration of composition and detail. Every mark, every brushstroke, had to be deliberate. This constraint, however, also fostered a sense of intimacy with the piece. It invites the viewer to engage with the details and to contemplate the symbolic weight of the subject matter.

    This finished piece is not just a depiction of a specific day, but a reflection on the enduring power of the sun and its influence on our world. It’s a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and our connection to the natural world.

  • Geyser, Iceland

    Geyser, Iceland

    Geyser, Iceland, 2018
    Acrylic on canvas
    21×29.7 cm

  • She’s Had Her Kicks

    She’s Had Her Kicks

    She’s Had Her Kicks (World Cup 2018), 2018
    Acrylic on cardboard
    21×29.7 cm

  • Volcano 2

    Volcano 2

    Volcano 2, 2018
    Acrylic on canvas
    25×30 cm

  • Volcano 1

    Volcano 1

    Volcano 1, 2018
    Acrylic on canvas
    25×30 cm

  • Untitled (Pincer)

    Untitled (Pincer)

    Untitled (Pincer), 2018
    Watercolour on card
    21×29.7 cm