Staphan Sarkissian
I am fascinated by how the real and abstract interact, for instance, the way in which something familiar and tangible can be affected by the subliminal or unknown. This reflects my belief that there is a fictional, narrative-like current, that runs parallel to our everyday lives that influences our experience of the world but remains essentially invisible and unknown to those around us. My work is an attempt to expose this dynamic interplay that shapes our experience of the world. I am a very physical painter. I love acrylic paint and not only because it's cheap and dries quickly. There is something about the plasticity that suits my work well. I use squeegees, boards, my hands, and whatever is nearby. For me, painting is essentially something that is constructive, like creating a sculpture or a building. The success lies in the right degree of tension between the real, painted in a controlled and somewhat mannered way, and the abstract, which is a great deal more physical. When I strike the right balance the real makes the paintings accessible and engaging for the viewer, while the abstract challenges them, providing the drama and interest.
Qualifications and training -1986 - Painting/ drawing degree, St Martins School of Art, London - Solo exhibitions - 2015 Expressions,The Tabernacle, Notting Hill - 2014 Faded Tapestries, studio1.1, Shoreditch - 2011 Faces Of Rajasthan,The Tabernacle, Notting Hill - 2003 Landscapes/Skiscapes, Stables Gallery, Gladstone Park, London - 2000 Distorted Figures, series two, Milburga Gallery, Much Wenlock, Shropshire - 1999 Distorted Figures, German Embassy, Knightsbridge, London - Group exhibitions - 2012 - Mixed show, R.A Summer Exhibition, Piccadilly London - Mixed Show, Room for Art, Cobham, Surrey -2002 Sefton Open, The Atkinson Art Gallery, Lord ST,Southport Residencies 1988 - Senigallia figurative Award, Senigallia, Italy - Private commissions - 2006 - House in Gemoz, Gemoz, Bordeaux, France 2005 z- View From Huntingdon Bridge, private collection, New york 2004 - Memories of Nepal, private collection, Wimbledon 2003 - Brekenridge, Colarado, private collection, Kensal Green, London 2002 - Landscapes Of our Dreams, private collection, Wimbledon, London 2002 - Lovers, private collection, Gloucester - Public commissions - 1999 A Parisian scene, Cafe Renoir, Kentish Town, London - Educational experience -1998 Painting Classes (KS1), Primrose Hill Primary, Primrose Hill Primary School 1994 - Life Drawing Classes, Acme Studios, Hackney Wick, London 1994 - Mixed Media, Acme Studios, Hackney Wick, London 1990 - Life Drawing and Mixed Medias, Blake College, New Cavendish St, London 1990 - Life Drawing Classes, Adult Education, Inner London - Professional Wedding Photographer - 2006 Babington House, Somerset - 2005 Hadley Hall, Telford, Shropshire - 2004 Local church in the Gomez area, Bordeux, France - 2003 Local church in the Pescara region, Abruzzo, Italy - 2002 the Orangery Gallery, Holland Park, London - 2000 - The Amalfi Cathedral, Sorrento, Italy