SEARCHING THROUGH THE ARCHIVE

ste- First blog post

sInce working at arthaus i've been blown away by mackenzie's change in style over time, and his continuing ability to come up with new ideas that connect with such a wide audience. I DECIDED TO TAKE A LOOK THROUGH SOME OF THE ARTIST PROOFS AND SAMPLE ARTWORKS FOUND IN OUR OFFICE. A LOT OF WHICH I HAD NEVER SEEN BEFORE AND THEY REALLY ILLUSTRATED THE QUIRKINESS FOUND IN MACKENZIES WORK.



As an artistic individual, i am constantly wanting to learn about those who successfully convey what they feel, through any medium, so it was fascinating to see the different styles and techniques an established artist explores. ​I WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT THE MANY FAR REACHING STORIES WHICH INSPIRE THESE ARTWORKS.

(Clockwise from top left) 'Pigeons', 'First light', 'The big match', 'untitled'

mackenzie has noted ls lowry as one of his main influences when it comes to his crowds of football fans, or portraits of working-class people going about their daily lives.

VICTOR SLEEPING

the below piece 'VICTOR SLEEPING' IS ABOUT a giraffe from marwell zoo in hampshire. after his partner 'dribbles' died, he collapsed to the floor, tearing a calf muscle and never attempting to return to his feet. Despite people from all over the world sending letters of support and portsmouth dockyard workers creating a sling to help him to his feet, nothing worked. The grief stricken leopard-camel passed away in the arms of his keeper.

SCREAMING HEADS

Below are the ever evasive mackenzie thorpe 'screaming heads'. some of my favourite works of his are the ones showing the more personal emotions of the artist. i found this photograph in a filing cabinet in our office.

untitled screaming head - mackenzie thorpe

MACKENZIE IS VERY INFLUENCED BY THE WORK OF FRANCIS BACON, WHO'S INTERESTS IN VIOLENCE AND ISOLATION resulted in his emotionally charged and raw imagery.

THIS GENRE OF MACKENZIE'S ARTWORK is a complete discourse from the works he is known and loved for.
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'I would like my pictures to look as if a human being had passed between them, like a snail leaving its trail of the human presence...' - fRANCIS BACON

Three Studies for Portrait of Lucian Freud - 1965 - francis bacon

check out mackenzie's newest work here