Calum Colvin was born in Glasgow and studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee and the Royal College of Art, London. Trained originally as a sculptor, later Colvin turned to photography. His works are assembled in the studio, often offering the viewer a babel of iconography with images gleaned from classical literature, soap operas and children’s books. Of his own practice the artist has written; “My work consists of a combination of concerns and practices from the disciplines of Sculpture, Painting, Electronic Imaging and Photography. I use painting and lighting techniques in the construction of elaborate narrative tableau which are photographed and exhibited as large scale colour photographic prints. I am interested in the process of transformation that occurs when everyday objects are juxtaposed with painted images (often) appropriated from the annals of Western Art History. The visual illusions are intended to draw the viewer into a creative dialogue as the images are interpreted, touching on themes of gender, art, history and national identity.”

http://calumcolvin.com/

 

Glossary

  • Painting

    Work of art made with paint on a surface. Often the surface, also called a support, is a tightly stretched piece of canvas, paper or a wooden panel. Painting involves a wide range of techniques and materials, along with the artist's intellectual concerns effecting the content of a work.

  • Sculpture

    A three-dimensional work of art. Such works may be carved, modelled, constructed, or cast. Sculptures can also be described as assemblage, in the round, relief, and made in a huge variety of media. Contemporary practice also includes live elements, as in Gilbert & George 'Living Sculpture' as well as broadcast work, radio or sound sculpture.

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