cult
ART BOOKS
FASHION MUSIC
LIAM DUGAN “I make art for those who are drowning.”
TOP 8 THIS MONTH Featuring
The Smiths A Clockwork Orange Francis Bacon Mod fashion
CONTENTS Feature: Liam Dugan
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Top 8 this month
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Profiles Dr Martens 12 Morrissey Autobiography 13
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LIAM DUGAN 3
Both a talented sculptor and painter, Liam Dugan is an up and coming artist in Aberdeen. He studies Contemporary Art Practices at the Robert Gordon University’s Gray’s School of Art. From studying art all throughout his school career, he followed his passion into University. He has a lot to say; about himself, his inspirations and most importantly, his art. He is a shy and unassuming young man who cares about his influence as he considers himself to be the saviour of contemporary art. Dugan works with all mediums of design and techniques to achieve differing goals he sets for himself and his art portfolio. Dugan’s influences for his work span from his social and formal experiences. From singer and modern legend Morrissey to Renaissance painters like Bernini and Carravaggio, they’re all in his mind whilst he is creating art. He enjoys painting his friends and the surroundings around him. The model for these works is an aspiring actress, Neila Stephens. Working closely with Stephens, Dugan created a story of desperation and contemplation into the mind, using different media and poses which makes you think: “Why is she the way she is?” Liam Dugan is one to watch, and has the talent and ability to go far within the world of art. His aim of being an inspiration to others has already begun. People are already beginning to recognise the name Dugan.
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Opposite: Pen and water study Above and below: Sketchbook thumbnails of ideas
“I think that due to the recent explosion in contemporary art over the last 20 years artists have never been so confused and so interested in what can be art and artist’s place within the world. Now that anything can be art creating good art is a fucking struggle and the lines are constantly being moved. Grayson Perry is probably one of my favourite artists in contemporary terms along with Damien Hirst because they say very authentic and real statements with their work. Both working class heroes of modern art it shows what a democratic playing ground the art world can be. I’ve got so many other influences like Noel Fielding, John Millais, Oscar Wilde, Florence Welch, etc. Anthony Gormley probably inspired me the most to become a sculptor. His art wasn’t vulgar or
cheap, it was as solid as the iron he used. With a deep concept as its foundations, he uses simple imagery to effectively communicate. I try to do the same; I simply want to communicate an idea to the viewer. Most people think art is bollocks, and to be fair some of it is. But good art can be like falling in love. As Oscar Wilde said, “Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing.” I don’t know how successful I want to be but I’d definitely like to be famous as ugly as that trait is. I’ll probably end in the gutter like Oscar Wilde; misunderstood, hated and crying out to the stars. As long as my life is one long piece of art I’ll be happy.
a painting which you can walk past on a gallery wall. Sculpture invades your personal space, hopefully capturing you interest and imagination far better. The only aims I have set for my art is that it must make you think and feel strongly about it and those sad lonely teenagers can relate to, as I make art for those who are drowning.” - Liam Dugan
I work in sculpture mainly because it’s unavoidable unlike
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“Most people think art is bollocks, and to be fair some of it is.”
Above: Thumbnails of Dugan’s sketchbooks and material ideas. Below: A ‘drowning etherial’ Neila.
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TOP 8 Eight things worth your time this month.
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The Horrible Crowes is made up of the lead singer and guitar technician of The Gaslight Anthem, Brian Fallon and Ian Perkins. Their debut studio album Elsie is a totally different experience compared to listening to the Gaslight Anthem, with the calming whispering rise and fall of Fallon’s voice and the haunting guitar throughout. Cherry Blossom and I Believe Jesus Brought Us Together give raw emotion, with Behold the Hurricane and Crush having more intense beat and aggression. This album is definetely above par. If you like The Gaslight Anthem, Bob Dylan and just folk rock, then try out Elsie. You won’t be dissapointed.
THE HORRIBLE CROWES
THE SMITHS The Smiths second studio album, Meat is Murder converted a generation to vegetarianism. Powerful and more political than their self titled debut album The Smiths, it is a statement of Morrissey’s beliefs and standpoints on the world of animal cruelty. The only number one album the band has to its name, it is still as influential and important as it was then. Highlights are too many to mention. How Soon Is Now is well known to the masses and Meat is Murder is hauntingly beautiful including the authentic noises of cows being slaughtered. The best thing about the Smiths is you can relate to anything Morrissey sings. One, if not the best, album of all time. The Smiths ended prematurely, but Morrissey continues to be a modern day legend.
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LEE
A Clockwork Orange is a Stanley Kubrick film to many, with a bad reputation and harsh reception when released. To others however, this 1962 novella is a staple in their library that changed social perception. It is revealing about youth culture and group mentality yet has a sense of unreality to the story which lets the reader escape. The characters with Alex in particular, speak to us ‘droogs’ in the language of Nasdat, which immerses you into his world and time. The three sections of the novella are the different stages of Alex’s progression as a person. In a not so distant future, the story’s themes are relevant to both the world we live in today and the future of what could become. For those of you who have seen the film, the final chapter of the book is omitted from the movie as producers felt the US audience wouldn’t connect with the original ending to the story.
Harper Lee’s only published novel is one of the greats in American literature and is considered one of the most important and stirring book ever written. Harper Lee based this book loosely on her own upbringing with fellow author Truman Capote as her best friend. It remains popular for the morals and heroism it portrays, with Atticus Finch being a strong and good man at the centre of the action. Many young people in school read this book for education: The Deep South during the American Depression, the racial prejudices that, to a degree, still exist today and importantly friendship. The theme has lasted through the generations. It lets you escape into a different world. If this book isn’t in your personal library then you are missing out. Don’t judge the book by its age, Scout, Jem and Boo Radley will be waiting to tell you their story.
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BACON
If you are interested in art at all you will have seen a Francis Bacon painting. He is just as intriguing a person as his artwork shows. Margaret Thatcher once described him as “that man who paints those dreadful paintings”, which is an accolade worth mentioning and embracing. The abstract figures he depicted were telling of the human condition and the bleakness of both life and death. If you are ever in Dublin, Ireland then it is worth going to his workspace. His studio was moved after his death from London to Dublin, with every single detail including the dust being catalogued and moved precisely to the new gallery. Often his work is deemed disturbing, but on the contrary, his paintings depict truth. Although he was a major success during his lifetime, he still lived in his small studio; a true artist.
AL: Bacon’s workspace AR: Study of a Nude BL: Dance me to the end of love BR: Vettriano’s portrait
Elements of 1950s American glamour come across in many of Vettriano’s paintings, despite him being from Fife, Scotland. His most famous work is ‘The Singing Butler’, but many of his other works are known globally. He hardly ever paints faces on his paintings, some say for mystery, others say he just cannot paint faces worthy of his work. If you are in Glasgow any time before the 23rd February 2014, visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to see a 20 year retrospective exhibition of Vettrianos work. The timelessness of his paintings are why they are so popular, with collectors such as Jack Nicholson and Sir Alex Ferguson. The gallery exhibition is a brilliant chance to see his best work.
VETTRIANO
The Skinhead look originated in London in the 1960’s and is a subculture coming from the Mods in terms of fashion, music and lifestyle. Forgetting about the Neo-Nazi political views that are associated with the culture, the fashion is something that has made a come back in to the 21st century and is very popular to the masses. People want to be different. The classic Fred Perry polo tee, skinny drainpipe jeans with suspenders and chunky Doctor Marten boots is a look many adopt nowadays. The look can be achieved by anyone, with cheaper alternatives to the brands mentioned being available on the high street. The cultural references of the Mods and Skinheads are featured in modern television and music. This is England depicts the 1980’s England and it’s fashions and concerns with politics etc.
Musical influences were massve to the mods. The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks were all popular bands with the mods, with their tailored look fitting in with their musical idols.
Skinheads preferred a more reggae and ska approach to music, such as The Specials and Madness in the 2 Tone 1970’s movement. Both bands still tour today, forever popular.
In many ways the Rocker look has come back into fashion as much as the Mod and Skinhead looks, but it never completely left the public eye. The leather and denim simplicity is a must have
look in all high street shops. Blue-black jeans with black biker boots and of course leather jackets to complete the look, the original rockers were heavily influenced by Marlon Brando in
‘The Wild One’ and his overall persona.
MOD
The cult of the motorcycle was massive for the overall look, but not necessary. Two branches of the rocker look existed, riders and non-riders. Early Rock and Roll music impacted the culture, with Chuck Berry and Eddie Cochran having a major effect. The rockers’ look and attitude influenced pop groups in the 1960s, such as The Beatles, with the Rockabilly revival and Psychobilly genre being influenced by the rockers. Some modern day rockers wear engineer style boots or Dr Martens, one thing the mods and rockers have in common.
ROCKER
The look will remain to be in fashion as long as boots and leather are relevant, which won’t be changing any time soon.
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Dr. Martens
Dr Marten is a brand that has transcended generations. The style and durability of all their vast selections of shoes has moved from father to son, mother to daughter. Classic boots, shoes, clothes and accessories. With guest designers creating their own style within the company such as model Agyness Deyn, the brand is still growing. Dr Marten has the patent Air Cushioned sole which makes walking comfortable to those who need it and want the style of it. The brand has become much more to people than just a shoe manufacturer. It represents a way of life; a freedom of expression and rebellion to society. This was established in a different time, but the values remain.
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The brand describes themselves:
“Modern youth culture is now unrecognisable from the 1950s – in some ways from the 1990s even – and yet the next chapters of the history books will be written by exactly the same kind of personalities who penned the memoirs of the first fifty years of subculture. Namely people who want to be individuals, who want to be expressive, rebellious, free-thinking … different.” From postmen and manual workers to hipsters and goths, these shoes instilled working class pride and a sense of individual-
ity. The initial culture who wore these shoes were teenagers who wanted to rebel, looking to be as different from their parents as possible. The same happens today, with a stand being made; ‘I can wear what I want’. Dr Marten shoes and boots are effortlessly stylish and wearable. The brand will continue on for another generation. If you see someone with a pair on, think about the heritage and the purpose of the brand. It might make you think about the person differently. They are the most comfortable stylish staple for anyone’s wardrobe. People who say they look ugly and too manly for women to wear are wrong too. That is coming from the old fashioned views of the 1950’s which Dr Martens were escaping from.
Jack Livingstone, 22: “He’s too pretentious for me, I think it’s a front. No one can be that obnoxious surely. Surprised he’s still on the go, and that people still care.”
Kim Blackwood, 38: “It’s one long chapter, but Morrissey doesn’t have to pause for anyone in my opinion. He’s a genious! I don’t normally read autobiographies but I’ll certainly make an exception. I hope this isn’t the end for him.”
Mary-Anne Smith, 44: “I might give it a go, I didn’t mind the Smiths in the 80’s. Morrissey seems to know what he’s talking about, he certainly has enough to say.”
Laura Knight, 18: “I’d say it’s the best purchase I could have made at the book shop, my Dad’s always going on about him. He’ll be so chuffed I am getting into Morrissey and the Smiths. That’ll be a better Christmas present than anything!”
Morrissey’s Autobiography is one of the most anticipated musical memoirs of our generation and it has not disappointed. At near 500 pages, the book is full of Morrissey’s eloquent turn of phrase and charm. Book-shoppers have their say here.
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