Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize 2017 Highly Commended - Nathaniel Hornsby
An exhibition of artworks by Nathaniel Hornsby,
on display at Ashurst Emerging Artist Gallery, 16th Oct - 12th Jan 2018
"The underlying issue of men's mental health is that men generally don't talk about their problems, and I am a typical example of that. Using myself and others as an example, I intend to shine a light on what men are often too uncomfortable to talk about; including themes of mental illness, male expectations, insecurity and isolation. " - the artist.
Self Portrait
The motivation behind this painting is that I am very private with my emotions. This worried me, particularly as in my teens I lost my cousin to depression. Not knowing how, or who to talk to, I decided to make this painting. What this painting symbolises has changed multiple times since making it, but most recently for me, it refers to the feeling of helplessness and not having any answers to this problem. Although that sounds incredibly bleak, I set out to make this as colourful and as beautiful as I could, to insinuate that sharing it is a positive thing.
Grandad
"My grandad has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers. I have previously watched my great aunt (his sister) suffer from the illness, and know the effects it can have; not only on a person's memory, but their personality. I was anxious to see how he had been affected by it. At first he seemed a little vacant and easily confused, but my anxiety was quickly alleviated when I first had a conversation alone with him. He locked into the conversation, and was back to his usual self. This is a portrait of him in that moment. His portrait is crystal clear, gleaming in the sun and pays homage to my grandad, but to his side in the shade are the haunting references to his impending illness."
Heat
"On the table is a copy of the book 'HEAT', written by Ranulph Fiennes. Where he tells of his adventures of harsh unknown environments and impressive feats of physical endurance. Reading the book is a slightly overweight middle-aged man, sunbathing by a pool in a commercial hotel, just about coping with the sweltering Spanish heat.
For this painting, I wanted to create the sensation of a heat wave. I did this by heavily applying paint to certain areas, and then briskly washing over it with water. The heavily painted areas reject the water, creating a rippling effect."
For this painting, I wanted to create the sensation of a heat wave. I did this by heavily applying paint to certain areas, and then briskly washing over it with water. The heavily painted areas reject the water, creating a rippling effect."
Private Isolation
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"This is a painting of my dad. With his expression and body language, I find this portrait very relatable. This interested me as my dad and I are usually very different in social situations. I am for the most part quite quiet, and he is outgoing and chatty by nature. For me this is significant, as it is a reminder that anybody can feel isolated in the same way that you do. I emphasised this with the intense sunlight highlighting his features, and using washing techniques to blur and distort his surroundings." |
Canal to Gloucester
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Public Isolation
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Nathaniel Hornsby is an English artist, primarily using photography, watercolour paint and stop motion film. He has a BA Fine Art degree from Birmingham City University and is currently based in Northampton.
EDUCATION
BA Fine Art , Birmingham City University, 2014
PRIZES
Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize 2017 Highly Commended Artist
EDUCATION
BA Fine Art , Birmingham City University, 2014
PRIZES
Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize 2017 Highly Commended Artist
MORE FROM THE ARTIST
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