David Marron, Viral Head Study I, 2022, Acrylic and charcoal on canvas © The Artist

Illness affects us all at one time or another. It hardens life’s path and can alter it completely. Through illness, we can be corroded in ways that are not always visible or understood. These works explore the occurrence of an unwanted bodily attack and its emotional response. The paint and charcoal distort anatomy, illustrating a figure suggestive of this struggle. The heads and bodies describe the journey of illness. The paintings show features shaped by mistakes and intention; injured and placated, the subjects are thrust forward upon the wrinkled, scarred skin of paper or canvas. The paintings are a celebration of these afflictions and flaws through colour and gesture, despite the atrocity that life can sometimes take. There lies endurance, compassion, and the universal delicateness of our touching impermanence. Often it is through the experience of illness that we learn what is significant in life.

David Marron graduated with a BA in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design in 1997. He has worked with GV Art for 15 years, who were one of the first galleries to explore an art and science collaboration and has also exhibited with the Wellcome Collection. He has been a paramedic for the London Ambulance Service since 2001.

“I combine my art practice with being a working paramedic. In this, I’ve been in the fortunate (and unfortunate) position to witness people at their best and worst. It’s in these extremities of life that truths become apparent. Beautiful truths.” – David Marron

7 March - 19 March 2023

Free Entry • £3 Suggested Donation