About

ROSS COMPTON

Award-winning Design & Artist

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My practice delves into the complex terrain of self-doubt, identity, and the processing of trauma. My artistic methodology is a deliberate fusion of design and fine art principles, resulting in large-scale compositions that command attention through bold graphic elements, expressive brushwork, and a vibrant, unapologetic colour palette.

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Contrary to the conventional use of somber hues for darker subject matter, I harness colour as a means of infusing vitality and complexity into the portrayal of challenging themes. This approach aims to provide a nuanced perspective on the depicted narratives, inviting viewers to see the light within the shadows. My work is distinguished by its abstract, heavily textured strokes, which convey raw emotion and intensity, reflecting the visceral and often chaotic nature of internal experience.

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Canvases frequently feature iconography, establishing a visual language that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating. These symbols, often drawn from personal mythology and archetypal imagery, serve as talismans and markers within the liminal spaces between thought and life. A notable element within my oeuvre is the incorporation of skeletal graphics, which create a stark visual dichotomy between external presentation and internal reality, between the masks we wear and the vulnerabilities or truths we conceal.

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My practice often explores themes of injustice, fear, and the hypervigilance associated with trauma. However, within these explorations, I seek to identify and represent moments of hope and resilience, celebrating the transformative power of human connection and the therapeutic potential of art. I am drawn to the tension between the playful and the unsettling, the vibrant and the grotesque, creating a visual language that speaks to the messy, unfiltered truth of our inner lives.

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I embrace the raw energy of spontaneous mark-making, allowing the paint to guide me as I explore the chaotic beauty of the human experience. The figures that emerge are not always meant to be easily deciphered; they are caricatures, distorted reflections of reality, imbued with a primal, almost childlike sense of wonder and unease.

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Ultimately, I don’t want to dictate how a piece should make you feel or even what you should see. If you see something different, then great. My multi-layered approach aims to enable diverse interpretations, fostering a deeper and more meaningful engagement with the viewer, inviting them to question their own perceptions and delve into the depths of their own subconscious.

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