Adam Baker
Adam Baker graduated from Wimbledon collage of art in 2018 after changing career paths from being a live performer in cabaret settings. He is a London-based figurative painter working predominantly in oils. His work is inspired by his own experiences, both physically and emotionally, as a gay man and further explores intimacy and interpersonal relationships within the LGBTIQ community.
Each painting depicts different characters often clinging to each other, forming a protective bond and so embodying the need for protection and unity. The merging of the figures creates geometric shapes which often transforms the multiple figures into a single entity.
Adam uses the body language and facial expressions of the figures to suggest a narrative, often left ambiguous enough to allow for the viewer's own interpretation. These narratives are exaggerated by the stylized depiction of the figures, referencing images and other influences from art history. The combination of elements from the German Expressionst movement and the memories of his days working in cabaret are seen in the exaggerated, dragesque, expressive faces in his paintings.
His use of colour is another tool used to set scenes and context. He often chooses dramatic clashing colour palates and patterns which take inspiration from different creative inputs including the fashion of his peers with a queer sensibility, building interiors and the realism of nature. His intent is to question and rebel against the rigid rules of what is perceived to be accepted taste.
Recently Adam has combined recognizable architectural features with these other creative references to produce his own semi otherworldly sets in which his figures can safely exist. Almost creating an alternate reality removed from the hardships and judgment still prevalent in today's society.
Adam hopes the viewer can take comfort from entering this imagined world he creates whilst at the same time provoking emotional reactions which reflect the hints of angst and conflict also present in his work.
