MARK VESSEY

Vessey’s natural wit and ability to tap into and distil the very pulse of our popular culture makes him one of the most exciting and collectable photographers of our time. Blurring the lines between photography and contemporary art he uses his lens much as a painter uses his brushes, creating timeless and sophisticated images that are deceptive in their visual simplicity.

Greatly influenced by American popular culture, with Warhol and Haring particular heroes, Vessey’s portraits of popular culture icons have now become iconic in their own right. Each piece reflects a snapshot in time, not only of the subjects themselves and the eras and zeitgeists that they represent but also of important chapters in our own lives and stories.

Vessey says “My work is about trying to establish a sense of order. There is comfort in collecting things, studying things that people take for granted, grouping everyday objects into such a way that they become something special, seeing how they fit together to become a thing of great beauty.”

His 2005 Attitude photograph became a defining image of recent pop culture history as read along the spines of the eponymous magazine, and represented the beginning of his ongoing body of work – COLLECTIONS – celebrating the books, magazines, vinyl and ephemera so familiar to our daily lives that they can often become overlooked. Vessey’s portraits evoke such affection as they inspire us to stop and think of the memories and associations that we have with his chosen subjects while also giving us permission to appreciate them as the visually pleasing and culturally important objects that they truly are.

Vessey’s work resides in prestigious collections worldwide, has been exhibited to great acclaim including at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and been featured in international publications from The Times and Creative Review to GQ. His most recent collaboration was with world famous DJ Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) and this year the prestigious Glyndebourne Opera House commissioned him to create a special artwork to commemorate their 70th anniversary season. His donated work has raised thousands for both the Stonewall and Albert Kennedy Trust charities.

Vessey’s currently available work can be seen here. Please contact us to register interest in Vessey’s new pieces.