Kian Swingler – Interconnected-ness Exhibition
Kian Swingler, a first-year Fine Art student, is to hold an exhibition of his work in the Chapter House from 2-4pm on Tuesday 28 February.
Kian is a Birmingham-born artist currently undertaking a Fine Art degree at Christ Church College and the Ruskin School of Art.
Kian said: 'I come from a single-parent family and a state-comprehensive school. Most of my work is inspired by experiences I had growing up and the impact they have had on me. I wish to unpack them through my art and confront the viewer with vivid emotions that overpowers them.
'My black and white motif is a tribute to my late dog Coco which has enhanced my appreciation for the wonders of black and white throughout my thought process. This provided me belief that it is the most expressive form my work can live in. Therefore, the viewer is allowed to see whatever they wish in my paintings. Observing them strictly in black and white or adding their own splash of colour in their mind. To me, this enhances the viewer’s experience, bringing them into the paintings as it provides a more intimate experience with the paintings.
'Throughout my Fine Art course thus far, I have been experimenting with different mediums such as etching, casting, sound, printing-making, oil paints, sculpture, and developing my surrealistic approach to my art.'
Describing his thought process, Kian said: 'When it comes to developing ideas for my art, I simply am always seeking inspiration from everything. I will be running around taking photos, picking up random objects, sticking things together, and constantly drawing in my mind of what I see throughout my days. All of which is then thrown into a piece or I am specially intrigued by a single object in my surroundings.
'My current exhibition was inspired by the mussels that my brother and I shared throughout the Michaelmas vacation. Due to the minimal memories that we share, due to the chaotic life, it was nice to be able to relish in a single part of just quietness whilst enjoying such a bland and minuscule meal. I do not wish to share the actual meaning of the exhibition, as it is far too personal to disclose. However, I wish for the viewer to find their own emotional connections to the pieces and see why mussels are so representative of how little we give to someone and the big impact that it possibly could have them, what we truly don’t see.'
The exhibition is open to all, and members of the public wishing to attend should ask at Tom Gate for directions to the Chapter House.
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