John's work bridges the gap between practical iconography and critical value. Merging the line where a working, illustrative image becomes an event in itself, a piece of art that transcends it's pragmatic 'raison d'etre'.
Born and bred in the urban council estates of Glasgow, John's images are reflections of the hard social vista that surrounded his formative years. His portraiture often presenting a harsh, contrast rich, landscape of the human condition. The theatrical and humorous style which encapsulates much of his work echoes the humour and escapism essential to endure working class Glasgow as a child in the 1970's.
The portrayal of women as figures of strength and beauty gives form to his affinity with, and understanding of post modern femininity. An insight nurtured through the unique relationship of an only child raised by a single parent mother. When working with male subjects John's style changes as he takes us to the extremes of the male 'persona'. Men are often caricatured, exaggerated beyond reality, or conversely, a glimpse may be given of a previously unseen sensitivity.
In all, John's work is a celebration of escape. Not only the grimness of his own working class youth, but the yearning of us all to escape to a world more rich, more vibrant, more vivacious and more amusing.
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