“If an artist doesn’t assert their needs, you might not have your needs met. It is about finding the balance of being assertive when you need to be. In my humble opinion, to not be too demanding when you haven’t got any power to.”
Series 001/05: in conversation with Bobby Dowler
Bobby Dowler is British-born artist and is living in Paris.
We talk about exploring film and harnessing one's skills, moving into spaces that are unknown and the process of making work, as a visceral discovery and the role of stewardship and ownership of art. Bobby refers to his passion for things 'kitsch' and his reference to artists Jeff Koons, Asger Jorn and Francis Picabia.
Bobby builds painting-objects acquired by salvaged materials, discarded from other artists and in found spaces; collecting, cutting, assembling, repainting using stretcher bars, canvas and paint. These outcomes are loaded with vibrant tension and austere emotional content - they are playful whilst being committed to examining the trajectory and history of art and considering what is the role of the artist, in our modern day. Bobby received a Master of Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts (UAL, London, UK), a BA in Film Studies from Solent University (Southampton, Hampshire, UK), and a Foundation in Art and Design from Camberwell College of Art (London, UK). He is represented by international galleries, Hannah Barry [UK] and Galería Alegría [Spain].
Interview by Emily Nam