Dom Pattinson’s stunning visual statements are by turns thought-provoking, entertaining and utterly delightful. His subversive humour is tempered by a gently mocking tone and a uniquely charming approach to life. He freely acknowledges his debt to other artists, among them Andy Warhol and Damian Hirst, but rather than emulate them, he riffs on their signature subjects or stylistic quirks, playing with repetition and homage, butterflies and skulls.
Dom has enjoyed a string of sell out shows all over the world. He has a massive celebrity following including Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and George Clooney. His big-name collectors come from all walks of life and highlight the breadth of his appeal – from millionaire socialite Caroline Stanbury and TV personality Davina McColl to neurosurgeon and broadcaster Sanjay Gupta and musician Liam Gallagher. He is particularly admired in New York where he has painted a mural on the 69th floor of the World Trade Center and was recently commissioned by Ted Baker to create some work for their flagship store on 5th Avenue. He is the subject of a BBC documentary which is currently in the making.
Although he creates his exhilarating works on canvas, Dom is a street artist at heart. As a student, he spent time living in the then Soviet Union and was struck by the power and impact of the propaganda art which was so prevalent wherever he went. He was also deeply affected by the wall murals in Northern Ireland where passions were running high and activists were creating raw and emotional street art to express their views. It was not the specifics of the politics or messages that impressed and influenced him, but the way these artists understood how to create a dialogue with the viewer, and ultimately to offer them “a more positive outlook on a world that is in turmoil.”
Recurring elements which render Dom’s style so recognisable include stencil patterns, a pastel palette contrasted with bold black lines, and extravagant and sometimes unexpected splashes of colour. His favoured tools include spray paint, collage and traditional acrylics, and he alternates between strict stencilling and loose overpainting, which gives each work great energy, immediacy and fluidity. He also has the street-artist’s penchant for wordplay and his wit and wisdom often sheds light on his attitudes and beliefs.
