Lucy Pass
The British Art Prize 2023 winner reveals the layers of emotion and creativity behind her winning piece, as told to Ramsha Vistro ▸
Antimony (Not Alone), oil, acrylic and pencil on plywood panel, 16x16cm
The Gorilla Brigade Riad aka
This Canadian artist challenges norms and embraces diversity through vibrant, dynamic pieces, finds Sara Mumtaz
With a nickname as bold as ‘The Gorilla Brigade,’ Riad’s artistic identity immediately captivates the imagination. But what lies beneath this intriguing title? His story is one of rebellion and resilience, echoing the revolutionary spirit of India’s Monkey Brigade. It’s a tale of fearlessness, a refusal to conform and a commitment to self-expression.
Riad’s journey uncovers the influences that have shaped his path – from childhood inspirations to encounters with renowned masters. Through it all, his art emerges as a reflection of his unique perspective, his defiance of convention and his relentless pursuit of creative freedom.
Working in oils, charcoal and watercolour, he brings a fresh and evocative approach to his work, deeply influenced by his experience as a partially blind artist. His commitment to representing marginalised communities is evident in every mark on the canvas, giving voice to those often overlooked.
His artwork has not only captivated audiences but has also earned prominent exposure on platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. As the Derwent Ambassador of Canada for two consecutive years, Riad has become a respected figure in the art world. His large-scale works have found a permanent home at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, further cementing his place in the artistic community. gorillabrigade.bigcartel.com ▸
Soloist, charcoal, 28x36cm
Evan, charcoal, 28x36cm
Pip McGarry
This artist’s multifaceted career spans TV, safaris, exhibitions and philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on wildlife conservation, finds Sarah Edghill ▸
Double Trouble, oil, 76x76cm
Going for gold
Ahead of Paris 2024, Official Team GB Artist
BEN MOSLEY talks to Rebecca Bradbury about his signature style, painting athletes and going to the Olympics
If Ben Mosley had to liken his work to another artist, it would be ‘Picasso-meets-Keith Haring’ – and it’s a fitting description. For one, his playfulness with perspective and the picture plane calls to mind the Cubist tradition, while his stylised figures and bold line work are reminiscent of Haring’s pop art motifs.
The big-name comparisons don’t end here though. Others have dubbed the Kent-based painter as a ‘modern-day LS Lowry,’ and Ben certainly shares the late Mancunian artist’s knack for portraying the vitality of a crowd.
Yet, there is something wholly original about Ben’s work. Whether it’s portraits, cityscapes or live paintings completed against the clock at celebrity-laden events (Ed Sheeran and Hugh Grant are fans), he has developed a one-of-a-kind visual language, which has managed to transcend the
conventional art world.
If Ben’s work is familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it adorning the walls of Wembley Stadium, decorating boxes of McDonald’s fries to celebrate the FIFA World Cup or depicting the late Queen Elizabeth II in honour of her platinum jubilee.
What the artist is probably best known for however is the 40-metre-long mural he created in London’s Carnaby Street during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Painting in real-time in front of the general public, Ben depicted every one of Team GB’s medal-winning moments (there were 65 in total) over 19 days.
“I was painting 15 hours a day,” he recalls. “It became a marathon, especially the last four days when we were winning up to six medals a day. It was a real psychological and physical challenge. What kept me going was thinking about what an honour it was to ▸
Boa 125 , acrylic and 24k gold leaf canvas, 90x90cm
