Henry McAlpine
Bio
Henry McAlpine (b.1998) is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Northumberland. Having been surrounded by the landscape during his upbringing, he has always been fascinated by the richness and diversity of the natural world in relation to his family heritage; rooted in construction. His interest in these varied environments merging together have inspired his practice over the last few years; aiming to balance the architectural motifs that influence his style with his animalistic subjects. McAlpine studied Fine Art at the University of Leeds and learn’t traditional drawing and painting techniques shortly after. Since then, he has found further inspiration through his travels to Africa and South-East Asia, where he was immediately captivated by the wide range of wildlife and their settings. He has also accepted requests for private commissions and gained experience assisting mural painters on large scale projects in Central London.
Artist Statement
My artwork explores the collision between the natural world and the built environment. My inspiration stems from my upbringing in Northumberland, whilst being in a family rooted within the construction industry. Having felt caught between both worlds, I express a sense of hybridised identity through painting, using drawing and photography as supporting mediums. Captivated by often unnoticed architectural details and geometric shapes, I use these to form fractured animals, plants, portraits and landscapes. By breaking these down into their most basic form and reconstructing them through gradual blends of colour, I create a foundation to provide the overall image with a structured narrative. My artwork is heavily influenced by the tranquillity of Franz Marc's animal portraits in relation to the predominantly human subjects associated with Futurism. While I mainly express the beauty and strength of both worlds I’ve experienced, I also hint towards the likelihood of danger and vulnerability. Sharp angles in my style provide each subject with a threatening yet fragile nature, warning us to observe these carefully.
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Henry McAlpine
My artwork explores the collision between the natural world and the built environment. My inspiration stems from my upbringing in Northumberland, whilst being in a family rooted within the construction industry. Having felt caught between both worlds, I express a sense of hybridised identity through painting, using drawing and photography as supporting mediums. Captivated by often unnoticed architectural details and geometric shapes, I use these to form fractured animals, plants, portraits and landscapes. By breaking these down into their most basic form and reconstructing them through gradual blends of colour, I create a foundation to provide the overall image with a structured narrative. My artwork is heavily influenced by the tranquillity of Franz Marc's animal portraits in relation to the predominantly human subjects associated with Futurism. While I mainly express the beauty and strength of both worlds I’ve experienced, I also hint towards the likelihood of danger and vulnerability. Sharp angles in my style provide each subject with a threatening yet fragile nature, warning us to observe these carefully.
