DAVE MCKEAN: A RETROSPECTIVE
THE WILLIS MUSEUM
BASINGSTOKE
Dave Mckean is an award winning artist of Illustration, photography, graphic design, film-making and music. He has many Illustrations that feature in graphic novels and books and in 2005 he co-wrote and directed the film, "Mirror Mask", with Neil Galman. (below)
Harry Potter, Dementor
The exhibition includes framed works of his book Illustrations, Original comic book art, photographs, Album covers and personal projects. My first impressions of the work was that it seemed and felt quite dark and troublesome, it demonstrates a high level of creativity and imagination and I did grow quite fond of it after viewing it all. I particularly became drawn to the mixed media pieces rather than the illustrations, as they seemed to have a bit more life and colour. His traditional techniques and materials really emphasize his style and give an element of personality to the work.
Dave Mckean has an Award for World Fantasy and Best Artist
Apart, and yet a part
Bill Bruford's, Earthworks, 1998
Acrylic, photography, collage, digital image
From Taplow, Slough, Berkshire, featuring his work, here in Basingstoke makes you feel a little more fond of Mckean and his work because of his roots and the idea that someone with this amazing career in the art industry has been so successful. I think the interesting and quirky drawings and graphics make you think about your childhood and all the fantasies you once had or still have and I think it makes art extremely pleasing to view like this.
Dave Mckean: The Particle Tarot: The major Arcana
His work incorporates drawing, painting, photography, collage, found objects, digital art and sculpture. Being so versatile and skillful in so many areas must have made his mind clearer in how he would use his artistic ability, his work has attracted people from all industries including the film and music industry which makes him really versatile.
Illustration: Tap, frog and flower
Black Orchid #1, 1998, Acrylic
Mckean has published four books of photography:
- A small book of black and white lies, 1995
- Option: click, 1998
- The particle Tarot: The Major Arcana
- The particle Tarot: The Minor Arcana
Cover Design, Hell Blazer
Collage, acrylic, pencil, ink and stones
In some of Mckean's work there were random materials applied, for example a fish in one piece, and the image above demonstrates use of stones. This may appear very different to some people viewing the art but others, maybe more familiar with fine art may think this as experimental. For me I felt it added another quality to the work to make it that bit more exciting and interesting. I can relate to this work in a way because it's how I worked at college when I studied in Fine Art, I was very much a mixed media artist and I would still work that way being it's definitely more expressive.
Heart Strings and Watch Stops
Mister X, 1989, Ink
The exhibition has finished now but if you're interested in seeing more work visit this website:
Thank you for reading, feel free to comment!
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