THE COLLECTION Following on from his phenomenally popular release, The Films Of Marilyn – The Diamond Dust Collection at the beginning of the year, Simon Claridge has released a new collection of original work. This new work continues to follow the theme of iconic imagery which has been present throughout his career, and utilises his trademark diamond dust technique to present famous faces in a new light. Fusing retro images with modern techniques, Claridge’s timeless work unites the old and the new. It is heavily influenced by the era of the 1950s and 1960s, a time which he believes has help shaped modern popular culture with an enduring style which is still relevant today. The new work reflects his personal collection of vintage memorabilia; he regularly trawls local markets and classic record shops looking for inspiration, and even listens to music from that era whilst working in his studio.
THE ARTIST Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, Simon Claridge’s work captures the female form in all its splendour, with each piece meticulously considered and crafted to suspend time and evoke an emotional response from onlookers; “My goal is to leave to the viewer some tangible emotional feeling”. Claridge’s portfolio showcases a selection of cultural icons throughout history – from the worlds of film, fashion, modelling and music – in glorious detail. As a renowned figurative artist, Simon Claridge has made it his raison d’être to capture images that strike a chord with his wider audience. Claridge also visually acknowledges and chronicles timeless society figures from the annals of music history, the catwalks of the fashion world as well as cinematic greats like Marilyn Monroe.
ELVIS IN THE ARMY
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
REBEL READING SHAKESPEARE Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
“MY GOAL IS TO LEAVE TO THE VIEWER SOME TANGIBLE EMOTIONAL FEELING.” SIMON CLARIDGE
SCREEN SIREN (BLACK STRIPE) Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
SOLD OUT SCREEN SIREN (PINK)
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
SCREEN SIREN (PINK STRIPE) Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
SCREEN SIREN (BLACK)
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
SOLD OUT SULLEN BEAUTY (PINK STRIPE) Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
SOLD OUT SULLEN BEAUTY (SEPIA)
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
SOLD OUT SULLEN BEAUTY (GREY)
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
PSYCHEDELIC
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
INSPIRATION
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
LUSCIOUS
Silkscreen on Canvas with Diamond Dust Image Size 36” x 28” | Framed £3,950
THE DIAMOND DUST Perhaps most famously used by Andy Warhol, Simon Claridge has since made diamond dust an elemental component of his artistic oeuvre, using it to add the glamour that his subjects command. Diamond dust elevates this body of work to an intriguing truth; no two people will view the same piece in the same way. The sheen created by the diamond dust dictates that it will reflect differently according to the light sources around it. View it in bright sunlight, in artificial light, through the beams of light cast by a setting sun, and the same piece will appear transformed.
THE PRESENTATION The frames also were made to a lavish specification in keeping with the quality of the work. Hand made in the UK using kiln dried obeche wood and milled to our unique specification, the wood is sourced from fully sustainable sources and is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. Fully bespoke, the frame lengths are mitred and pinned together to accurately match the size of the artwork. The joints have ‘intelaggio’ (silk inlays) added for strength and flexibility before the whole frame is sprayed with a special formula gesso and painted to give a seamless finish. 12.5 carat white gold leaf is hand laid onto the inner bevel using the finest water gilding method, and then burnished to give a solid metal appearance. Both the paint and white gold leaf colours and finishes have been selected to compliment the artwork.
The images contained within this literature are an artistic representation of the collection. To best experience our art, we recommend you contact your local gallery to arrange a viewing. Š Washington Green 2015. The content of this brochure is subject to copyright and no part can be reproduced without prior permission. washingtongreen.co.uk