It could be said that Horace's paintings are autobiographical in that they emerge from experiences, places, people and paintings that he has met on his travels. His influences are eclectic and range from the naive stylised jungles of Henri Rousseau to the pop art paraphernalia of Peter Blake with bits of Mark Rothko, Kenneth Noland, Wayne Thiebaud or Joseph Cornell thrown into the mix. He is not averse to appropriating images from his favourite artists and subverting them to suit his own purpose in his own paintings.
However, he has always been fascinated by traditional forms of iconography so each of his paintings has the concept of 'iconographic writing' at its centre.' Iconography' he says 'is like graffiti in that it is written/textualised' and serves a practical purpose. This also applies to iconic forms of political propaganda in which art reflects an ideology and is used as a tool to reinforce political rhetoric. Horace's aim in creating contemporary iconography is to question the narrative of the icon by reproducing and questioning its status and authority in a post-modern setting.
For the latest news, tour dates announcements and memorabilia, see The Specials official website.
Horace explains what can happen when seven very different individuals with unique personalities and distinct backgrounds can harness their creative energy and passion. Highly recommended.
This piece first broadcast on 9 Dec 2011. Televised on UK's regional television BBC1 West Midlands. Programme: Midlands Today See more...
55tv interviews Horace about going on tour again after 30 years since The Specials split and about his solo exhibition of... See more...
Horace graduated in 1975 with a degree in Fine Art from Coventry's Lanchester Polytechnic. Although most of his career has been defined by his involvement in music, art has always been in the frame! See more...
If you'd like to keep up to date with all of our latest exhibitions and inspiration behind new paintings, simply sign up to our mailing list below