Interview
David Wright
David Wright is an independent artist exploring how AI is reshaping our perception and how we see, think and consume. His current work aims to depict the personal and societal affects of information overload in the landscape of emerging technologies.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I began painting and drawing as a child as most children do and found growing up that I had this almost 'need' to create as I'm sure many artists can relate to. I began reading up on various art movements and artists and also met my great grandmother as a teen who was a professional artist and ceramicist and showed her some of my work. She was very encouraging so I guess it's also in my genes.”
What inspires you?
“I've always been inspired by the human head, not portraits but as an isolated mass like ancient busts. I'm also fascinated with the anatomy of insects and birds. Chinese calligraphy and asemic writing are more recent inspirations and I love the rhythm that can be achieved through these practices.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Some of the themes I've been working with mainly revolve around advancing technology. These include the decline of cursive handwriting in favour of touchscreens and keyboards. The effects of over stimulation on our brains. The bombardment of information and advertising and it's unethical use in consumerism. I think the underlying message of my work is to highlight these issues that are are so prevalent today. To a world that is slowly being brainwashed and is unaware of the consequences of AI, I hope I can shed some light.”
How would you describe your work?
“If I were to describe my work I would say it's intentionally busy and overloaded with information. Looking at it objectively I can see it looks like a system trying to process information, that system being me. It's almost like I'm mimicking the functioning of a computer or AI system. There are satirical elements to my work in the form of cartoon like characters which also act as components to a narrative.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There are many and they have changed over the years which is a good thing. Van Gogh was one of my earliest influences and then Francis Bacon. Artists with a ‘raw’ edge to them. Willem de Kooning was another. As I've evolved over the years I've really homed on three artists who are a great influence to me. Those being Picasso, I love the freedom and fluidity of his later line drawings. Next is Jean Michel Basquiat. I like the way he would approach his ‘main’ pieces as he would his notebooks, giving that raw, scribble like quality. Next is Cy Twombly, probably due to fact he used the act of writing as a catalyst for his large gestural peices.”
What is your creative process like?
“I use a notebook to jot down random words, ideas or images. Many times pages from these notebooks are finished pieces in and of themselves or I will use them as montage as a starting point or as collage to add to pieces. I like to be as intuitive as possible and use materials and inspiration from everyday activities.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I wouldn't say it's an artists duty to comment on social, political and philosophical themes but it certainly is a good platform to do this. An artist should be true to themselves above anything else otherwise the work would lose any credibility and could hardly be considered art. It has to be primarily an honest expression and everything else should be secondary. I think far too much money is spent on art and the money used to acquire works of art could be used to help ease the many crises’ in the world. Do artists have a role to play in this? I'm not sure on that one.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I won a competition and had my work shown at the national Gallery in London in 1998. Since then I have had various works shown at local exhibitions within communities. I have also used my work in fundraising events.”
Instagram: @davidwrightart
Brush Bio: brush.bio/wrighteye
