Brian
G. James, M.A. (R.C.A.)
Date of Birth: 2 November, 1949
Place of Birth: Cwmgwrach, South Wales, UK
Education 1969-1972: St. Martins School of Art, London. B.A.
Fine Art (Painting)
1972-1975: Royal College of Art, London. M.A. Fine Art (Painting)
The work is based on historical / mythological symbolism.
"Archaic tale, imaginatively describing or accounting for
natural, religious or supernatural phenomena especially by personification."
A lineage of history possessing both grandeur and enigma, at
times magnificently absurd. The
implied nature of these emotive forms still identifiable in
the stirrings of our primitive psyche and passed down through
poetry, song, folklore, and legend.
I utilize this power of the symbolic document while speculating
on the cryptic truths within.
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"Death
of a Mermaid VIII with Ancestor"
(detail)
48 x 29 in
Oil/Ink/Pastel on wood panel
The basis of this series of paintings
is the mermaid symbol, an image with strong historical and traditional
references. From the greek Aphrodite ("risen from sea foam")
- Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" is an exact icon of
her Greek cult status - to English ballad poetry where the mermaid
stands for the bittersweetness of love and for the danger run
by susceptible mariners. Eastern European legend refers to her
as 'a beautiful yet terrifying figure able to transform into
human form'.
Based on this last definition, I script possibilities, transformation,
death, and decay. A hint at darker intrigues. |
