The original painting is now SOLD. It is a large - 116cmx61cm - mixed media (charoal watercolour and gouache work on brown paper).
OR WHY NOT COMMISSION A PAINTING OF YOURSELF IN THIS STYLE? Yes it's possible. You, your partner and even friends and family set in a 1930's or 1940's vintage scene. We can even include your own horse; or perhaps classic horses like Golden Miller, Phar Lap or Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Priced at £2950 for a large original; we will style you in period style using our vintage wardrobe collection; arrange a photoshoot for you and you would get the images in a beautiful printed coffee table book all included in the price.
The artist David Dent has set the scene in the 1940's and it evokes film noir and German expressionism.
The two female models are his partner Eliza who is a former Agent Provocateur and Royal Academy Art model; and on the far right Ceri Cushen; also a professional model and High fashion hair stylist who specialises in a vintage look.
The image invites the viewer to develop their own narrative. The pointers are evident everywhere. As the favourite goes to post coups are clearly being planned; beneath one bookmaker's sign; 'Broadbent' the image has been cropped to say 'Road Bent' so you are in no doubt something dodgy is going on. Despite this, the allure of the fashions of the period and the general ambience are both intriguing and seductive. Essentially the Artist is saying we have lost something in the modern age. The tic tac men; once a common sight in the ring are now sadly being replaced by computers; and their frantic signalling means we are losing an essential part of the theatre of Racing. However; while one can appreciate the nostalgia on one side; a closer inspection reveals their distorted faces may bear a passing resemblance to some contemporary politicians. The metaphor there is clear: their messages mislead us. Another bookmaker has a hollowed eyes and temples; and while he stands with dignity with his message board, the influence of German Expressionism is evident. The figure could represent religion; and even the straight and narrow path leads to death of the human spirit. The exchange of money beneath the 'road bent' bookmaker's sign is perhaps metaphoric of the sometimes unethical behaviour of the Financial Services sector in recent years.
The horse and the women represent Truth and Liberty and Beauty. Our freedom to choose as 'punters' in the game of Life. And the central figure of Eliza looks thoughtful in that decision: which to bet on; which way to turn. Essentially the choice of the individual. But the viewer is free to see their own story here. Perhaps there is some Romantic tale with a dark side? Or merely enjoy the nostalgic fashion and glamour of a time where the spirit of a horse could be incorruptible - horses like Phar Lap and Sea Biscuit and Golden Miller lifted the spirits of people in dark times. And as we are in dark times again now; the message is clear: in the ring there is an honesty and raw humanity that has escaped us in the modern age.
A fascinating piece. Available as a limited edition
approx size 86cmsx43 cms
Date: 25/09/2012
