MAP PAINTINGS
Alongside the MIND THE MAP project, I’ve been indulging my own map paintings, and putting it mildly, the process has been gloriously therapeutic. These are raw expressions of taking the inside outside, and they’ve been a learning curve on every level.
They owe a real debt to Neo-Expressionism. Most people say Basquiat when they see them, which makes me smile, because what draws me in is what inspired him: A.R. Penck, and my ultimate heroes, the Cobra movement. If you ever get the chance, Museum Cobra in Amstelveen, just outside Amsterdam, is worth the trip. Richly raw and provocative.
I’ve always been lucky with sudden bursts of creative energy, so while working on everything else I’ve quietly amassed a considerable collection of map paintings beyond the collaborative ones in MIND THE MAP. Enough for a show: EYES WIDE OPEN opens online on 1 November. Other map artwork is also on display at ANTIKULT GALLERY in Hamburg, link below.
I’m trying to be disciplined and keep to one project at a time, but the urge to get back into the map paintings is relentless. Always the 3am slot, always the self-portraits, those are below too. At some point there’ll be another mass session of maptastic expression with obscure electronica playing, my go-to audio inspiration.
My shop opens soon with some of these pieces for sale, so keep an eye out. If you’d like to know more, you can reach me directly at marccraigartist@icloud.com.
ANTIKULT GALLERY
Presently showcasing 10 of my paintings. Go check them out and contact Axel directly if you require any more information.
