02/12/87


My paintings are heavily influenced by a process of drawing and ideas of traditional carnival - a time described as chaotic freedom, but one which also had strange rules and structures. A recent development has occurred through the idea of structure. In the pictorial sense it can bring harmony and order to chaos – we feel secure amongst pattern, and the undermining of such pattern adds an element of mockery to the structure. Often these paintings seem to respond to the previous through a process of drawing and looking. A drawing that resonates on some level with me will be reworked and pinned on the wall. The resulting abundance of imagery no doubt affects the painting – but never acts as a blueprint to the work. Mistakes are made, opportunities taken and the painting changes through the act of looking. The apparently whimsical forms that are painted on the surface can at first seem playful, but on closer inspection appear dark and grotesque.


www.seanpenlington.com
www.axisweb.org/artist/seanpenlington
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