Cover Image Walton B, SPRINGSRETURN (2024)
Search for artists working with narrative. Alongside the artists using more conventional imagery and processes, look for those artists who also play with the idea of narrative, in all forms, and who bend the rules.
I looked at the work of Tomo Campbell and Betsy Walton.
Tomo Campbell creates scenes reminiscent of Rocco, in style and subject matter, but uses a bright colour palette and pushes the compositions into abstraction. I connect to the way he uses the abstract qualities to continue the expression of tempo and mood. Academically the use of colour and tone relate to the tonal drawings of Rocco subjects. So again he is extending the style and process into a contemporary nature.
Fig.1 Campbell T, If Only (2023)
Fig.2 Campbell T, Blast From The Past (2021)
Betsy Walton narrates surreal, dream like paintings, high key colour, high content. Shamanic vibes with a broad spectrum of subject matter. They are book like in nature, providing a great depth of investigation and interest.
Fig.3 Walton B, MELT (2021)
Fig.4 Walton NIGHTMUSE (2021)
List of Images
Cover Image Walton, B. (2024) SPRINGSRETURN. [Acrylic and gouache on panel] At:https://www.artsy.net/artist/betsy-walton (Accessed 02.05.2025).
Fig.1 Campbell, T. (2023) If Only. [Oil on canvas] At:https://www.cobgallery.com/exhibitions/105-spitting-feathers-tomo-campbell/ (Accessed 02.05.2025).
Fig.2 Campbell, T. (2021) Blast From The Past. [Oil on canvas] At:https://www.artsy.net/artwork/tomo-campbell-blast-from-the-past(Accessed 02.05.2025).
Fig. 3 Walton, B. (2021) MELT. [Acrylic and gouache on panel] At:https://zinccontemporary.com/exhibitions/17-biomes-a-solo-exhibition-of-works-by-betsy-walton/ (Accessed 02.05.2025).
Fig.4 Walton, B. (2021) NIGHTMUSE. [Acrylic and gouache on panel] At:https://zinccontemporary.com/artworks/193-betsy-walton-night-muse-2021/ (Accessed 02.05.2025).