'It Got Bat Reviews' by BatsWearBlack

'it got bat reviews'

by BatsWearBlack

Exhibition Catalogue

www.artnumber23.uk

London - Athens

• Introduction • Artist Interview • Featured Artworks

'it got bat reviews'

by BatsWearBlack

Introduction

Kjell from @BatsWearBlack started drawing at an early age. At first his illustrations resembled the works of his childhood heroes Tim Burton and Edward Gorey but in 2017 Kjell developed a style of his own: whimsical, fable-like mixed media illustrations that mainly feature animals. Kjell has exhibited his artwork in galleries and restaurants in London as well as various cities in mainland Europe. His illustrations have featured in magazines, on Halloween stickers in Canada and Washi-Tape rolls in China.

Kjell works by the motto: ‘If you can think it, you can draw it’.

@batswearblack batswearblack@gmail.com

‘He'll Hit You Black And Balloon’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

‘Comes But Once A Deer' | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

Which contemporary trends in the art scene are you following and who are your biggest influences?

I rarely spend time reading up on what’s new in art but I do often get a glimpse of new art and artists when it shows up in my feed. Most recently I have been intriqued by the artwork of American artist Mark S. Gagne (MindMeltStudio) who’s inked photograpy artwork is both subtle and haunting. I’ve always been drawn to the darker/gothic subjects in art (Edward Gorey, Charles Addams, Tim Burton) and I find that this hasn’t changed over the years, even though my own illustrations are anything BUT dark!

What is your favourite art movement up to the 20th Century and how has it affected your work?

I know you’re asking about art movements up to the 20th Century but I would have to say my favourite art movement lies in the early 20th century – the Golden Age of Illustration. I really like the fairytale/folkthemes and Art Nouveau style of that era. This specific type of craftmanship in illustrating has in my opinion been unmatched eversince. Illustrators like Kay Nielsen and Arthur Rackham are good examples after masters in their field. I find their works very inspirational and we have a Kay Nielsen’ print hanging in our livingroom.

How does your work comment on current social issues? (political, social, health issues etc) It doesn’t. I try to stay clear of adding any visable political or social themes to my artwork. I happily leave that to other artists as I think it should definately have a place in art.

Is there any advice you would give to your younger self?

‘Relax, nothing is under control’.

What is your favorite part of this job?

The first sip of coffee around 6.15AM immediately followed by reaching for a pen or pencil. It’s all downhill from there....

What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

Tombow’s eraser pen is an absolute necessity and I really like Derwent Graphik fineliners.

How do you choose your themes? Is there a theme you return to regularly?

Samurai!

For unknown reason I give quite a lot of the characters I draw a samurai sword to carry on their backs. Luckily, this takes away some of the cuteness and adds a bit of a quirky edge.

Besides that, Samurai swords are very quick and easy to draw:)

‘Hare Today Gone Tomorrow’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

'Anti-Rockwise' | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

‘Cleaning The Whole White World’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

‘ HipHoptopus’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

How do you define success in an artist’s career?

Can I afford to buy my fiance a decent cup of coffee? If so, succes!

What are the next steps in your career?

I’d like to spend more time making street art. I started with street art at the end of 2019 and have managed to do six pieces in Central London so far. Then COVID restrictions meant I wasn’t able to travel into London. I hope to start again this Summer though!

What is your favorite part of this job?

Trying to get my thoughts on paper - ‘If you can think it, you can draw it’. I really like that process, even more so because I never quite know how it’ll turn out. The trick is to know when to give up on an idea. That I haven’t mastered yet...

‘Nothing Could Come Beartween Them’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

‘Strike A Paws!’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

‘The Nest Generation’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

‘The Puffin' Puffin’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

‘The Puffin' Puffin’ | 29x42cm Limited Edition Print

art number 23 London • Athens

Art Number 23 is a London based organisation with two physical Gallery spaces in London and in Athens and also a Virtual Gallery! We are organising art exhibitions in all our Galleries and we invite artists from all over the world to share their work with us and participate in our shows!

The aim is to create opportunities, in order to encourage and support artists to exhibit and promote their work.

'it got bat reviews'

exhibition catalogue