REGAN (The Exorcist) - VHS Limited Edition
£595.00
- This is an example of when you get free reign to do whatever you think is right and are trusted in your judgement! End result was an incredibly happy client!
The original film was truly shocking, made even more so because the lead character was played by a 12 year old girl - Regan MacNeil. In keeping with not showing the main character in my work I have embraced this challenge by focusing the scene on one of Regan’s dolls and giving the characteristics of the possessed child to her doll. I have always found those old porcelain dolls to be creepy and uneasily life-like so it was the perfect route for me to create the shock factor for the piece but one that had genuine meaning and emotion. Some of the scenes from the film involving the girls’ body are horrific and I have not wimped out on approaching this and depicting this within this piece. Ultimately my aim was to create a truly scary character but who is then made more easily confronted through injecting beauty into the scene and suggesting an underlying concept.
I have spent a good amount of time looking at the theories behind the plot and embracing the story lines for the characters in the hope that I would find something subtle that I could base my concept on and the one that struck a chord was the existence of neglect for both the priest Karras and the daughter Regan. Karras blamed tormented himself for neglecting his dying mother, a weakness picked up by Pazuzu the devil who possessed Regan and more importantly how the child herself had been neglected by her actress mother as a result of her work. This is the reason that I have set my piece up in the way that I have, showing a solitary doll sat in the darkness. However as with so much of my work and no matter how harsh and dark a piece may be I will always look to convey a sense of hope through the use of light and I have embraced this within this piece.
The room and more importantly the doll is brought into light from an opening door, primarily to represent the Priest coming to rid Regan of Pazuzu but also as a sign that she is about to be taken out of the darkness and away from neglect, it works in the sense that the mother acknowledges the negative impact of her work and reacts in a positive way for the benefit of both Mother and Daughter. Was Regan such an easy target for the devil because she was so vulnerable through neglect?
My aim here is to suggest this and to open up a much bigger concept where a child can become possessed in so many more ways through being shrouded in darkness and becoming vulnerable to their demons that are born purely from neglect. The scene shows the doll sat on a bed surrounded by objects that relate to the film in various ways, the piece is subtly divided into two, into dark and light. The old wooden bed frame is blackened and shows the sign of the devil burned into the surface which shows signs of cracking and it beginning the burn. Yet this is contrasted with hints of vibrant paint that signifies the happiness that should resonate from within a girls bedroom. The torn Damask wallpaper behind the bed adds to the darkness and ageing characteristics of the room, dated decor again suggesting neglect. Centrally to the bed is a small statue of Jesus nailed to his cross with head turned towards the darkness, a beaten figure, just another fallen hero. The ornate pillows feature an embroidered ‘P’ on the darker side representing Pazuzu whilst shrouded in light is a contrasting ‘R’ for Regan - portraying the girl and the devil within.
The doll that represents Regan shows cuts to her body that relate to those shown in the film, her eyes have a hint of green to further relate whilst her mouth, dress and skin show signs of the vomit that was projected towards Karras in another one of the iconic scenes from the film, made from pea soup and oatmeal apparently! A quote from the film is scrawled onto her skin ‘You Let him f*ck you’, pretty strong stuff. The most shocking part of the film for me was to see the possessed Regan driving a crucifix into her genitalia and I have not shied away from this, it is hard to stomach but this is the Exorcist. The battle between good and evil is played out over the doll with a combination of dark smoke and beautiful lighting detail with the latter working to gloss over the horror that is laid out before you. The dominant light that shines over the doll brings with it hope and goodness and leads towards her heart, good will always triumph over evil.
To the left of the doll as we look at it and where the shadows and darkness rule is an old wooden model of a church that has succumbed to evil, cracked wood, smoke and flames engulf the building and a sign reads ‘F*ck you Damien Karras’. In front of this are a pair of smashed glasses, those of the other Priest - Father Merrin, if you look closely you will see a hint of goodness there, with the little icons that are attracted to the glasses in the darkness. A solitary dove feather sits on the stained bed sheets in the gloom of the shadows yet there still exists light and hope surrounding it. To the right of the doll is the bible and rosary beads that burn, an upturned candlestick portraying something that should bring light and security yet with a single gesture can turn into a destructive force.
Finally, a single rose - Regan loved her mother so much, making clay animals for her and giving her a rose at each breakfast time yet suffered neglect and hurt. All in all a very challenging subject and a great commission and brief, I am happy that I have gone for it full on without just settling to shock but to make you think and to acknowledge that all hope is not lost.
-
- Released: 2021
- Collection: Lost In Hollywood VHS
- Edition Size: 10 + 2AP
- Specification:
- Hand embellished
- Floated poster and double mount
- Custom spray-painted frame
- Sticker decals
- Hand signed by artist
- Image Size: 8.3” x 11.7"
- Framed Size (Approx): 13.5” x 16.75”
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 21 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
Commissions
When workload allows Mark embraces client commissions and has enjoyed amazing success to date. If you have been inspired by the work that you have seen and have a specific idea or simply a seed then please do get in touch.
Commission EnquiriesRelated Items
In Pursuit Of Gold (James Bond) - VHS Limited Edition 4AP
£595.00
- The classic James Bond films offer great memories from my childhood, on reflection I started to lose interest in the more recent films as I have always preferred those where they aren’t dominated by over the top special effects.
Goldfinger was a particular favourite, it was classy yet had a real sinister undertone to it, the image of the lady dead on the bed covered in gold freaked me out as a kid! Have you spotted her within the scene?! ‘Oddjob’ was another that scared the hell out of me, that bloody hat! With names like ‘Pussy Galore’ and how my mind works, this piece could have gone in a very different direction but I was determined to create a scene with real class and focus on THE Bond car, the stunning and acclaimed Aston Martin DBS.
The presence of the car is more than enough, you can’t mess around with it. The film had so many great locations but my preferred setting was always the stunning Swiss mountains and the Furka Pass that twists and turns through the mountains. This piece was only ever going to be about the car, surrounded by iconic details to seek out and in front of a beautiful backdrop – it is perfect for you to use your imagination and invent your own narrative as to where Bond is and what is happening.
What I feel has worked really well is how the scene has been ‘photobombed’ by some of the native animals that live within the region. Bond could simply be out of shot stood admiring his car or looking out for others and a red stag just happens to walk into shot. That split second makes all of the difference, I love how it interacts with the gold bars on the ground – a nod to my ‘Love Knows No Bounds’ collection. I absolutely loved reconnecting to this film and this really has fueled my imagination for future pieces - do you expect me to talk?... Time to dust off the box set for now!
-
- Released: 2021
- Collection: Lost In Hollywood VHS
- Edition Size: 20 + 5AP
- Specification:
- Hand embellished
- Floated poster and double mount
- Custom spray-painted frame
- Sticker decals
- Hand signed by artist
- Image Size: 8.3” x 11.7"
- Framed Size (Approx): 13.5” x 16.75”
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Available for immediate despatch or collection from the Hive
‘The Trilogy’ (Star Wars VHS Box Set) - The Original
£3,595.00
- Ok, I am so bloody excited about this piece! So excited that I’m trying to write the narrative ahead of its release and all I can get down is fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu********KKKKK! Only joking! The fact that it is being unveiled as a completely secret image has just amplified everything!
When I created my VHS editions a few years back I knew that they offered something unique and authentic. The format and my determination to go the extra mile, created editions that had an original quality to them with the hand finished detail and customisation, whilst the size allowed for collectors to either fill that awkward space or create a cracking collection of their favourite movies from the pieces that I created. They have been so popular and have led to several other formats that have evolved my brand as well as my portfolio.
In truth, I have been wanting to create a box set edition for what seems like an age. As with so much, it is all a question of timing and I guess the best things come to those who wait eh! 2016 was the year when I launched my now sought after ‘Lost in Hollywood’ series of iconic movies. Each film has so many possible interpretations, the possibilities are vast! When you then have the opportunity to embrace follow up editions through sequels then it really does open the door to truly embrace the collectability nature of my art and movie box sets that so many of us loved to own. I guess it was my destiny!
I am so proud of my Star Wars pieces that I have created to date, I have always strived to produce respectful works that amplify all that is amazing with the earlier films, embracing the very essence of darkness and light and the battle between good and bad! In line with these works, I have always been honest to acknowledge that I am not a Star Wars obsessive, but I respect those that are. So, I have continually strived to create exciting and powerful pieces of art that amplify all that we know and love from growing up as kids whilst not trying to make them be something that they shouldn’t. I am so pleased to see these continually be so collectible. Thank you.
So, with 2024 marking a decade in this ridiculous industry, I saw it as the perfect time to deliver a new format that opens the opportunity to create others on movies that are acclaimed for their multiples. I already know what I will take on next! For now, though, I need to block that out of my mind, not an easy task. Some VHS editions lend themselves perfectly to adapting an earlier piece into the format and that is cool, however for The Trilogy box set I wanted it to be all new, and wow! I am so bloody pleased with the results!
Ok so my thinking was this. I wanted to showcase the three original movies, ‘A New Hope’, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘The Return of The Jedi’ and whilst ensuring that each image was dramatic in its own right, I wanted them to flow from one to another and not to jolt as you looked from left to right. They had to work as one. I knew that the key factor to the success of this piece would be the choice of scene to depict. I know everyone has their own and you can’t please everyone, but I did so much research into what was deemed to be the most iconic moments from each and then if I could get them to work and to resonate, not just with my audience but with myself to remain authentic.
So, let’s start with ‘A New Hope’ – the scene that I have based my artwork on is so incredibly powerful and full of emotion. The colours are beautiful and draw parallels with my 2019 piece ‘Shifting Sands’. The isolated figure of Luke stood watching the horror that he came back to, that sense of helplessness is so strong. The detail that I then injected into the scene had to be subtle but play a part and acknowledge that this was the moment when he would ultimately choose his destiny and channel that hurt that would fuel his fire.
Second was ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and wow, what a moment. In 2016 I created a unique piece entitled ‘Teach You I Will’ that depicted Yoda through smoked outlines. The background hinted at being the swamps of Dagobah, an environment that always fascinated me as a kid watching the movie. So, for me, this had to be the scene, when Luke is being trained and guided by Yoda and set on his path. That moment when the X-Wing was lifted out from the swamp was so damned good!
Finally, if you know my work then you know that I love to work within forest scenes and ‘The Return of The Jedi’ gave me a cracking opportunity to do just that. A much earlier piece ‘Battles Passed’ took you to the forests of Endor and was such a wonderfully subtle scene where key details were hidden and obscured. This time however, I wanted to go big and showcase the battle that raged amongst the beautiful fauna, such a contrast! One powerful detail that is so serene is the puddle that shows the reflection of a very special trio. I love how this has turned out.
I am so pleased with the result, not just how 3 VHS’s work alongside each other but with how the three images complement and contrast. Each is a very different movie, yet the overriding narrative is one of choosing your destiny, being set on the right path by those who inspire and guide you, even through spirit. It’s the importance of acknowledging the destructive force of the dark side despite its appeal when you are vulnerable and embracing the good around you and within. Oh, and being prepared to fight for everything that you deserve with everything that you have.
-
- Released: 2024
- Collection: Decadence
- Edition Size: 1 of 1 Original
- Specification: Hand embellished heavyweight artist canvas, custom frame, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 46” x 24"
- Framed Size (Approx): 52” x 29"
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
 - VHS Limited Edition&media=https://markdaviesbritishartist.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/REGAN-Frame_600x.jpg?v=1640798035){kind=link}
‘The Trilogy’ (Star Wars VHS Box Set) - Limited Edition
£895.00
- Ok, I am so bloody excited about this piece! So excited that I’m trying to write the narrative ahead of its release and all I can get down is fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu********KKKKK! Only joking! The fact that it is being unveiled as a completely secret image has just amplified everything!
When I created my VHS editions a few years back I knew that they offered something unique and authentic. The format and my determination to go the extra mile, created editions that had an original quality to them with the hand finished detail and customisation, whilst the size allowed for collectors to either fill that awkward space or create a cracking collection of their favourite movies from the pieces that I created. They have been so popular and have led to several other formats that have evolved my brand as well as my portfolio.
In truth, I have been wanting to create a box set edition for what seems like an age. As with so much, it is all a question of timing and I guess the best things come to those who wait eh! 2016 was the year when I launched my now sought after ‘Lost in Hollywood’ series of iconic movies. Each film has so many possible interpretations, the possibilities are vast! When you then have the opportunity to embrace follow up editions through sequels then it really does open the door to truly embrace the collectability nature of my art and movie box sets that so many of us loved to own. I guess it was my destiny!
I am so proud of my Star Wars pieces that I have created to date, I have always strived to produce respectful works that amplify all that is amazing with the earlier films, embracing the very essence of darkness and light and the battle between good and bad! In line with these works, I have always been honest to acknowledge that I am not a Star Wars obsessive, but I respect those that are. So, I have continually strived to create exciting and powerful pieces of art that amplify all that we know and love from growing up as kids whilst not trying to make them be something that they shouldn’t. I am so pleased to see these continually be so collectible. Thank you.
So, with 2024 marking a decade in this ridiculous industry, I saw it as the perfect time to deliver a new format that opens the opportunity to create others on movies that are acclaimed for their multiples. I already know what I will take on next! For now, though, I need to block that out of my mind, not an easy task. Some VHS editions lend themselves perfectly to adapting an earlier piece into the format and that is cool, however for The Trilogy box set I wanted it to be all new, and wow! I am so bloody pleased with the results!
Ok so my thinking was this. I wanted to showcase the three original movies, ‘A New Hope’, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘The Return of The Jedi’ and whilst ensuring that each image was dramatic in its own right, I wanted them to flow from one to another and not to jolt as you looked from left to right. They had to work as one. I knew that the key factor to the success of this piece would be the choice of scene to depict. I know everyone has their own and you can’t please everyone, but I did so much research into what was deemed to be the most iconic moments from each and then if I could get them to work and to resonate, not just with my audience but with myself to remain authentic.
So, let’s start with ‘A New Hope’ – the scene that I have based my artwork on is so incredibly powerful and full of emotion. The colours are beautiful and draw parallels with my 2019 piece ‘Shifting Sands’. The isolated figure of Luke stood watching the horror that he came back to, that sense of helplessness is so strong. The detail that I then injected into the scene had to be subtle but play a part and acknowledge that this was the moment when he would ultimately choose his destiny and channel that hurt that would fuel his fire.
Second was ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and wow, what a moment. In 2016 I created a unique piece entitled ‘Teach You I Will’ that depicted Yoda through smoked outlines. The background hinted at being the swamps of Dagobah, an environment that always fascinated me as a kid watching the movie. So, for me, this had to be the scene, when Luke is being trained and guided by Yoda and set on his path. That moment when the X-Wing was lifted out from the swamp was so damned good!
Finally, if you know my work then you know that I love to work within forest scenes and ‘The Return of The Jedi’ gave me a cracking opportunity to do just that. A much earlier piece ‘Battles Passed’ took you to the forests of Endor and was such a wonderfully subtle scene where key details were hidden and obscured. This time however, I wanted to go big and showcase the battle that raged amongst the beautiful fauna, such a contrast! One powerful detail that is so serene is the puddle that shows the reflection of a very special trio. I love how this has turned out.
I am so pleased with the result, not just how 3 VHS’s work alongside each other but with how the three images complement and contrast. Each is a very different movie, yet the overriding narrative is one of choosing your destiny, being set on the right path by those who inspire and guide you, even through spirit. It’s the importance of acknowledging the destructive force of the dark side despite its appeal when you are vulnerable and embracing the good around you and within. Oh, and being prepared to fight for everything that you deserve with everything that you have.
-
- Released: 2024
- Collection: Decadence
- Edition Size: 20 + 5AP
- Specification: Hand embellished heavyweight artist canvas, double framed, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 23” x 11.7"
- Framed Size (Approx): 28” x 16.75"
-
- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.