GBP
Lead Us Into Temptation - The Original
- This is the prequel, or sequel (depending on how you view it) to my 2015 piece that was entitled ‘Toile & Trouble’ and is a dark and surreal interpretation of the Brothers Grimm version of the classic fairytale Hansel & Gretel. This scene shows what the children saw as they stumbled upon the witches house. The whole concept across both pieces focuses on deception and trickery, leading you into temptation and effectively then delivering you straight to evil.
So what you see is incredibly dark and sinister yet sugar coated and quirky, as well as slightly odd! Sugar-filled treats appear much larger than they normally are, or is that just in the minds of those who are tempted by them? As with my other more recent ‘Storyteller’ pieces there are a number of current references that suggest a secondary narrative that I love to inject into my work. For example, the oversized sweets and cakes link to an ongoing concern of child obesity and you will spot subtle objects such as a bottle of cola, scrawled messaging slating the ‘sugar tax’. Have you spotted the pig?!
Look how the gingerbread men appear quite sinister with one coming out of the shadows towards you akin to a horror film, one has already been attacked, is all hope not lost? The swan, a character who guided the children to safety in the Brothers Grimm version appears to be doing the complete opposite here, who can be trusted, if anyone? Do you even trust yourself?
There is so much to seek out and digest (excuse the pun!) within this scene and I have wanted to tackle this piece for an age - it fits perfectly with my ongoing concept of ‘greed breeds monsters’. I guess it really is a classic example of just how you can literally live or die by your decisions and the consequences of being let down and deceived by misplaced loyalty. I mean seriously, who would trust a swan?!
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- Released: 2018
- Collection: A New Chapter
- Specification: 1 of 1 original framed embellished canvas, hand signed by artist.
- Image Size: 48” x 36"
- Framed Size (Approx): 54” x 41"
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.
