Paul Ayers studied at Falmouth University (then called Falmouth School of Art and Design) in the 1990s, for his BA (Hons) Fine Art and MA in History of Modern Art and Design. He has exhibited his work in the Royal Cornwall Museum, Falmouth Art Gallery, the Royal College of Art and the Victoria Art Gallery, Bath. His work has also been selected for prestigious national exhibitions such as the Hunting Art Prizes, the Discerning Eye and the Royal West of England Academy's Annual Open Exhibition.
Artist Statement: I am primarily a painter, although I also explore ideas through printmaking and alternative photography (screenprinting and collagraphy and cyanotypes). In my painting practice I love the physical qualities of paint (particularly oil paint) and the myriad of textures, light effects, colour and illusions that you can achieve with them on a flat surface. So while my work represents objects in the real world, I strive to give the painted surfaces of my works an intensity and physical presence. I use photographic references (usually my own, sometimes found imagery) to construct imaginary places that could be real, but have a heightened sense of emotion and atmosphere. Influences include Peter Doig, Peter Blake, Caspar David Friedrich and Peter Howson.
I am particularly interested in the idea of juxtaposition - such as setting artificial, man-made structures and elements against natural landscapes, so that objects seem out of place and "surreal". My current series of paintings and mixed-media cyanotypes reference promotional photographs of late 19th and early 20th century boxers, This "Fighters" series explores the juxtaposition of strong "masculinity" against "feminine" natural forms.
I hope you enjoy looking through my artwork. Please feel free to contact me at: paulayers40@gmail.com if you have any questions. I am happy to arrange for you to visit my studio in Bristol if you would like to see a particular artworks "in the flesh".