London Art Feature
Thanks to Charlotte Mathias at London Art for featuring my digital imagery: more information
Paul Cooklin’s abstract and energetic photography has become Londonart’s latest choice of candidate for artist of the week. Much of Paul’s inspiration is drawn from his travels around Asia, where he lived for 8 years. The subject matter of his compositions are varied and have been influenced by his environmental surroundings, from the gentle landscapes of his current home in Suffolk to the technology and nature he found in Asia. It is these experiences that give rise to the fascinating coexistence of colour and shape in his work.
To create these intricate pieces Paul has used a digital camera along with Photoshop software to combine layers of images. These images were taken in Budapest, Istanbul and the UK, and are combined to create symmetrical, abstract designs. This post-processing skill has given a conceptual feel to this sci-fi digital art, as one gets lost in the layers of images. This is most apparent in his piece ‘Energy v1 – symmetry and abstraction’ which allows the viewer to become transfixed in its electrical and energetic vibe. Paul’s work stands out due to his use of symmetry, as it captures intense and fascinating colours and shapes through the use of this technique. Symmetry has the quality of being made up of balanced similar parts facing each other or used around an axis. This characteristic is what many viewers are drawn to; it promotes an aesthetic appeal along with a mathematical element which becomes pleasing to the eye.
The liveliness of these pictures comes from Paul’s use of lighting as it is emphasises certain areas to almost create a glow that highlights parts of the compositions. This glow provides a neon effect, adding to the electrical and technological feel within these prints. Alongside this the intensity of the bright colours that are present within these pieces, really create a striking impact to an already powerful image. All these effects build up to construct motivating and curious shapes and structures, as is evident in Paul’s piece ‘Caesius v1 – Symmetry and Abstraction’ and ‘Portal v3 – Symmetry and Abstraction.’ Both these compositions are built up through layers, with one main focus shape; either an oval or a diamond. This repetition of shapes is what produces such an attractive and attention grabbing maze of a composition.
Paul Cooklin’s work is digital photography that truly stands out from the rest; his clever use of photographic image manipulation has rewarded him with fascinating pieces that are so appealing to the eye. They expertly draw in the viewers’ attention and encourage one to question how certain affects were achieved and how these compositions were created.
