An Interview with… artist Michael Pemberton
Artist Michael Pemberton, whose solo exhibition “The Age of Water” is on show at JC Gallery, Mayfair from the November 10 to December 22, answers some questions.
What are you currently reading or listening to?
Reading: Life of Picasso by John Richardson.
Listening: Old Funk, Modern Spanish Guitar, Neo Soul, EDM. Some old vinyl.
What is on your bookshelf?
Artists monographs, catalogues, biographies, metaphysical texts, poetry and a bit of vintage fiction. Complete works of Shakespeare. Lovely old leather-bound dictionaries.
The Last Splash (After Goya: Saturn Devouring his Son), 2023, Oil on Linen, Triptych 162 x 339 cm
If someone had only one day to spend in Paris, where would you send them?
Depends on the type of person and if they had ever been. But a walk down the Seine along the Rive Droite (on the lower quayside level) from Bastille to Place de la Concorde, whatever the weather, will move even the most jaded.
What is something you believe is underrated?
Today; Irony
Ukrainian Youths on Tuapse Beach, Russia, 2023, Oil on Linen, Diptych 146 x 228 cm
Describe your work in three words.
Michael Pemberton’s work ;)
When has your artistic work surprised you?
Hopefully often.
No Life Duty on Guard, 2023, Oil on Linen, Diptych 100 x 200 cm
What question do you wish people would ask you about your practice?
One that has never been asked before. So I’m happy to wait and see.
What was your greatest challenge or success in your shift to figural and narrative work in The Age of Water?
Not needing to ‘like’ them. Getting beyond preferences is much more interesting.
Malibu Crucifixion, 2023, Oil on Linen, 100 x 81 cm
The Age of Water illustrates the immersive, transformative and even explosive force of water. And, you write that your work is an exploration of the human struggle between our inner and outer worlds. How has the process of creating The Age of Water been transformative for you?
I have built a world that allows one thing above all; permission.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Even more alive than I feel today.
The Age of Water is on show at JC Gallery, Mayfair from November 10 to December 22.
