RECENT WORK 2023-24

My ongoing interests in process, graphic structures, planetary imagery and neuropsychology converge in this current series of paintings.

These paintings involve a two-step process. Firstly, an intuitive gestural mark-making stage followed by a more thought-out and rational response. This a common idea in psychology that distinguishes two thought processes - unconscious and conscious, respectively. The two stages are further distinguished in method and speed. The first on the floor and quick, the second on the wall and slow.

It’s important for me in the studio that the making of the work is meaningful and not routine – so the process works both as a conceptual device and a structural framework

The first gestural action of spilling, pouring, and manipulating paint on canvas is performed quickly and without revision. The canvas lies horizontally on the floor or a table. The process is intuitive and relies on instinct, speed, and intuition. The paintings are moved from the floor to the wall. The second step is slower and requires a conscious and logical series of decisions.

Transparent yellow discs resembling light filters, camera lenses, concentric circles and colour laden targets are painted using spray paint and stencils with no tell-tale brush marks or traces of the artist’s hand or signature style. They create depth and reference planetary images, scientific infographics that are controlled and deliberate in execution. Further associations can be made with distance and time travelled.

As I have done for much of my previous work, Hislop the process, imagery, and material are integrated to build complexity and depth to each piece.