GBP
Keep Moving Forward (Rocky) - Original
- This is the third instalment of the Rocky series that I have created since I released ‘BALBOA’ back in 2016 which was the first time that I demonstrated a style that is now easily identifiable as my work with the figure being made out of smoke. 2019 saw ‘One More Round’ released, a gritty scene piece that was driven by an underlying narrative. So, for 2021 I have changed it again and captured the dramatic, and much-loved fight scene between Rocky and Drago using a style that differs again.
If you look very closely, not ideal on a screen but you will spot that the figures are made from tiny dots that radiate outwards. It is an effect that was actually born way back from some earlier graphics work when creating a boxing equipment brand and it’s marketing imagery so I love how I have been able to reignite and reintroduce here. It is all about the movement and the emotion as the two battle it out. These tiny dots amplify the drama, they represent the sweat from the muscles, the blood spraying from Drago’s mouth as Rocky lands a massive hit. Supporting this is my abstract ‘push and pull’ style that so many love, soft tones that are hardened by cracked textures and painted overlays.
It is such an incredible movie that represents so much positivity in general, what I love is that although the fight scene is so iconic, you don’t seen to see it depicted in art form. It is the perfect scene to showcase my way of working. It is so vibrant, I love how the gold works with the red against the deep blues. There are subtle references to other pieces that I have done previously, ‘BALBOA’ in it’s billboard form, there is another piece from the same movie that has been created in a similar style that is integrated into the background along with the brilliant ‘Clubber Lang’!
The closer you get to it, the more energy that radiates out from it, it is a style that I love and one that I feel that I have made my own. It is the call to keep moving forward no matter what and the sense of being unbreakable that radiates so strongly with so many people even outside of the boxing scene. It’s the underlying sentiment that people buy into and I guess has played a big part in making the Rocky pieces that I have created so popular and so successful.
‘I must break you’ - no chance! -
- Released: 2021
- Collection: Lost In Hollywood 4
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.
