Where Am I? & Who Am I?
where am i?
This series, titled ‘Where am I?’, emerged from a period of transition following my move to the south-west of England. Over the years, I have interrogated the boundaries between personal identity and the roles we play in everyday life. Although I once toyed with the idea of incorporating an enlarged fingerprint to symbolise an unchanging personal signature, that element remains only a mental echo rather than a visible mark. The works in this series are thus presented without overt autobiographical identifiers—allowing them to reside in a space of deliberate ambiguity.
Playing an accordion captures a scene inspired by the spontaneous energy of a seaside pub gig. The work presents a figure absorbed in the act of making music—a moment that resonates with both communal interaction and the quiet questioning of one’s purpose. The ambiguity invites the viewer to ponder whether this is a reflection of personal experience or merely an observation of a transient moment of life.
Holding buckets of fish depicts an everyday act rendered with gentle precision, where the act of carrying fish in buckets becomes a metaphor for the burdens and duties that shape our daily existence. The piece remains deliberately open-ended; it questions how routine actions might also be a form of self-definition, without asserting a singular, definitive identity.
Carrying a lobster introduces a note of the surreal by incorporating an unexpected subject—the lobster. This work, too, refrains from overt storytelling. Instead, it speaks to an internal dialogue about the nature of change fand the subtle disorientation that accompanies a move away from familiarity. The presence of the lobster suggests a narrative that is as much about mystery as it is about mundane responsibility.
Together, these three works form a cohesive exploration of the interplay between external activities and internal questioning. By choosing titles that focus solely on the action—rather than on the artist—I seek to leave open the possibility for various interpretations regarding who is behind the deed. The ambiguity is intentional; it is designed to prompt the viewer to engage with the work on multiple levels, reflecting on both the fleeting nature of the moment and the enduring questions of identity.
Who Am I?
The series ‘Who am I?’ represents a continuation of my exploration of identity, shifting from external actions to internal declarations of self. Created during the early years of fatherhood, these works reflect a period of introspection as I navigated the complexities of personal roles and their expressions. Each piece presents a distinct identity, blending elements of playful imagination with deep-seated emotional resonance. Expressions play a pivotal role in these works, emphasising their ability to communicate beyond words—a theme that aligns with my interest in how expressions are perceived, particularly through the lens of my experience as an autistic artist.
I am a ballet dancer depicts a poised yet vulnerable figure, drawing on my own past as a dancer. The slight nervousness conveyed in the feet and the figure’s serene yet focused expression captures the tension between performance and introspection. This piece reflects not only an assertion of identity but also the emotional complexity of embodying a role that is both deeply personal and outwardly performative.
I am a pirate channels a playful yet rebellious spirit, exploring the allure of freedom and adventure. The figure, with its bold declaration, embodies the contrasting themes of independence and societal expectation. This piece playfully subverts traditional notions of identity, presenting a character that feels both universal and deeply individual.
I am a male astronaut ventures into the vastness of the unknown, reflecting the human drive for exploration and discovery. The declaration speaks to aspirations and the courage to step beyond one’s comfort zone. At the same time, the figure retains a personal vulnerability, tying it back to the universal question of self-definition.
I am a female astronaut mirrors the adventurous spirit of its counterpart while challenging traditional gender narratives. By presenting both male and female astronauts within the same series, the work acknowledges the fluidity and multifaceted nature of identity, while celebrating the shared human drive for growth, curiosity, and ambition.
Together, these works delve into the ways we define ourselves through roles, dreams, and expressions. By using declarative titles, the series boldly asserts each character’s identity, encouraging the viewer to consider their own roles and aspirations. While personal in origin, the works invite a broader exploration of how we craft, inhabit, and perceive the many facets of who we are.