GBP
Exit Light, Enter Night. - Large Limited Edition
- Ok, so I’ve just finished writing the narrative for ‘Bollocks to Growing Up!’ and now I switch to this! If there was ever a testament to my darkness and light contrast to my art and mindset, then this is it! We all have a dark side, some more than others but this extreme contrast within my work doesn’t seem to conflict as so many of you collect from both sides of my portfolio, filling your walls with my art with people often shocked that they are from the same artist, which often leads to collectors being unsure just what type of character they will meet at a show! I love that!
My Autumn / Winter iteration of ‘Decadence’ was perfectly timed to allow me to create a truly sinister piece to tie in with the darker months and Halloween! With only four pieces being released, the shocking contrast between the artworks is so powerful. My earlier ‘Storyteller’ works were very dark and incredibly complex, a much more niche approach but one that is as authentic and honest as they come. This then evolved into my ‘Lost in Hollywood’ series where I would embrace this ability to go into a dark place and take on some of the most iconic horror movies. Earlier this year, I created ‘REDRUM’, a striking interpretation of ‘The Shining’ and that has proven to be adored by fans of that genre. This time however, I set about creating a combination of horror movies in the same fashion as an earlier ‘Spielberg’s Hollywood’ piece that worked so well and has been so well received.
As with ‘Spielberg’s Hollywood’, the initial thinking was to set this within the cinema itself but again, I feared this could be restrictive and I do love working with an eerie forest as a backdrop! So, what we see is a creepy cinema frontage rising from the moonlit forest amongst the haunting mist that creeps and crawls in the same fashion as those who roam amongst it. It is that stalking nature that I wanted to focus on rather than creating some shocking ‘gorefest’. I just felt that it was more in line with my work, and I wanted this piece to be able to be enjoyed by many, oh and plus I don’t have the stomach for it! It’s funny, I can’t handle it! My favourite from this genre is and always will be the original ‘The Woman in Black’ by Susan Hill as it was chilling for its realism. I think it was the first ‘SAW’ movie that proved too much for me to handle but you lunatics seem to love it! You’re a disgrace!
I used to stay in this studio overnight but it’s not a settled place to be as there genuinely is no light at all! I don’t think I could have worked on this piece after dark, when you are so zoned in on a particular character or detail to create that impact it really is quite chilling! What is scarier? A figure who moves, slowly closer or one that stands and watches, ready to move? For me the impact of the girl climbing out of the water towards you in insane! That should have been enough, but you know me! A single drop of blood, the little paper boat from ‘IT’, a reference to the ‘Exorcist’ and then the face! Have you spotted it? Let’s not forget the role of the twisted thorns that move through the scene, sinister and claustrophobic.
I always prefer to leave it to you to seek out the movie references rather than line listing them all. It should keep you busy on those cold dark nights! Let’s see if you dare to turn out the lights when you are done! Perspective plays a key role in this image, I wanted to show the contrast between those who are further away to those who have come closer, it’s that sense of movement when static that I love. Music also is a big part; it pretty much always is with my work. I am a big Metallica fan and their songs have inspired titles for pieces such as ‘The Memory Remains’, ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ and ‘Fade to Black’. This combined with the brutal and sombre vocals of ‘Slipknot’ really kept me where I needed to be mentally for this scene. It is ‘Slipknot’ that provide a subtle quality to this image, and you may not realise but it pours light onto the sense of submission and acceptance of your fate through being dominated. Not the brightest of thoughts but you’re looking at this piece for a reason! ‘Bury all your secrets in my skin, Deliver me into my fate’ is taken from their haunting ‘Snuff’ track, whilst ‘You can't kill me cause I'm already inside you. Die and fucking love me.’ is taken from ‘Sic’ and ‘Killpop’ and is pretty bloody dark and twisted as it suggests that even in death that person will live on and can’t ever be killed whilst the second line evokes a chilling obsession with the stalked.
Going back to Metallica, it’s funny as the title came about from a much different moment. I was watching ‘Rob and Romesh do Download’ one evening whilst creating this image and to see them take on one of my favourite tracks ‘Enter Sandman’ was brilliant, I still can’t get their version of it out of my head – comedy gold! Don’t ask me to mimic it at an event but the way they sang ‘Exit Light, Enter Night’ was hilarious, and unique! So that’s how the title came to fruition, brilliantly random but absolutely perfect!
I really hope you love this piece. Even though I may not have the stomach for it and got humiliated by my thirteen-year-old niece who thought ‘The Babadook’ was an easy watch, I do feel that I have the mindset to do it justice and loved every minute of being in the studio for this one. The subtle references, the colour palette and the atmospheric qualities of the scene work so well with the toxicity of those who roam within. Everyone who loves the horror genre has their favourite movie and ultimate character, I have included a cracking number, some more obvious than others and it’s hard to please everyone but I hope you agree with my inclusions.
Sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight. Exit light, enter night. Take my hand, we're off to never-never land.
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- Released: 2024
- Collection: Decadence
- Edition Size: 20 + 5AP
- Specification: Limited edition fine art print, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 38” x 24"
- Framed Size (Approx): 46.5” x 34.5"
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- Get in touch for overseas delivery
- Please allow approximately 14 days for delivery, should you need delivery sooner please let us know.
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If you fancy something truly unique instead of the black or white frame choices, you can upgrade to a stunning hand painted frame by Mark. You can either specify your choice of style and colours or leave it to Mark to work his magic. Simply add your comments at point of ordering.
A global collector base has seen hundreds of original works sold, making him a respected and successful artist within the contemporary art world.
Mixed Media British Artist Mark Davies was born in Bedfordshire in 1978 and studied Fine Art within the region with his early works being inspired by the compositional qualities of Piero Della Francesca and Giuseppe Arcimboldo whilst finding inspiration in the surrealism of Salvador Dali. Now living in St Neots Mark works full-time as a professional artist as part of the MD Studios set up from his beautiful, converted brick barn studio within the Cambridgeshire countryside.
Mark’s signature ‘Storyteller’ and 'Lost in Hollywood' collections showcase his ability to conceive and implement his own narrative to cherished fairy tales, classic fictional stories, and iconic movies to stunning effect. Inspired by the eloquence of Hans Christian Andersen and ingenuity of the Grimm Brothers, a whole host of much-loved stories have been turned on their head with each chapter being re-written as Mark embraces the often much more sinister plot and motives of the original authors that most don’t know exists as these classics are re-told to generation after generation.
As well as creating mesmerizing imagery full of detail there has always been a subtle and genuine moral quality to the work created to make you think a little deeper. Mark’s original works have created such a wonderful interaction between artist and audience as each searches out the detail and pieces together the plot with the hope that they can get an insight into Mark’s thinking whilst being encouraged to offer their own interpretation of what they see or often don’t see within the image. This genuine engagement has played a significant part in Mark’s gallery shows and appearances being so successful and truly special events.
As the body of work has grown so has Mark’s reputation for creating art with genuine meaning, art that stands on its own and that is driven by a fascinating multi-layered narrative like no other. His skill of storytelling has expanded across other areas including stage and screen as he delivers his signature style across a broad range of subjects and genres that continue to pull on the heart strings and embrace nostalgia and the memories that we all hold so fondly. In addition to building a solid gallery presence, Mark’s success has seen his work proudly displayed and selling within iconic venues that include the London Playhouse and Fortune Theatre within the iconic West End along with the highly respected Mall Galleries in London.
2023 has been another incredible year for Mark as his career continues to evolve. Most noticeably has seen the creation of 'The Hive' - a stunning creative gallery space within his studio that now proudly displays his artwork in a striking and engaging environment that allows his collectors to get up close to a diverse range of artworks. In addition to this, Mark's presence in America has strengthened as the result of a wonderful charity event that saw him create a special original piece that sold for more than $16,000, raising much needed funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer's.
With an incredible work ethic and a genuine respect and appreciation for his collectors, combined with a solid platform that the MD Studios brand offers, the future continues to look exciting for Mark. A growing list of celebrity clients and commercial projects along with an established gallery presence has led to Mark being a highly collectable and hugely respected British artist.
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