A Journey Through The time of Bubbles
Painted during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown (2021) this painting shows more of Doug’s favourite things, but this time mostly from film and his imagination, although there are still some elements expressed from his earlier work.
At first glance it initially appears that the bubbles may be floating free but under closer inspection, one can see that they are offshoots falling from a whip-like meandering path leading forward into the middle distance.
Beating a rapid exit
Both characters are heading in the same direction (not so common in Doug’s work), but they are not necessarily navigating any given path.
The man’s left foot has made an exit from left of the frame only to make a re-entry bottom right, so the path might be endless.
*Artist Doug Kemp with Love In A Time Of Bubbles 2020 Painting
Modelled on one of Doug’s students
The female character is based on a photo taken of one of Doug’s students in the 1980s during his time as Senior Lecturer of fine art whilst teaching at the Loughbourgh College of Art.
Despite the limitations of the period, the series carries a lighter tone, balancing structure, rhythm and a subtle humour that runs throughout Doug’s work.
