Mark Bletcher's work is figurative, and depicts subjects of contemporary life, but approaches representation from an expanded view of perception; his artworks are often expanded with physical framing devices,external literature or though repetition. Bletcher's way of working is inspired by his interest in Magical Realism, particularly authors such as: Murakami, Kafka and Huxley. Authors who explore subjective experience, memory and otherworldly encounters in contrast with everyday life, often creating dream-like narratives.
Mark is currently at the Newbridge Project and has work available at Newbloodart
Please contact me at: mbletcher@hotmail.co.uk
Awards / Funding
· Awarded The Royal Society for Painter-Printmaker (RE) Gwen May Recent Graduate Award.
· Received the Final Year Achievement Prize for outstanding academic achievement at Newcastle University.
· Shortlisted for The Woon Art and Sculpture Prize.
· Shortlisted for The Young Contemporary Artist Award.
· Commissioned for the 10th edition of the Butchers Dog poetry magazine cover.
· Awarded Bartlett funding for the publication of Minutes (on painting)
Education
· BA Fine Art, Newcastle University - First-class honours
Solo Shows:
· 2018 'As Earnest as I Can Be' Solo show, The Holy Biscuit, Newcastle
· 2018 ‘Magic Memory, O what can I recall’ Newcastle University, Newcastle
Group Shows
· 2020 The London Print Fair, The Royal Academy, London (Moved Online)
· 2020 Biscuit Factory Summer Open, The Biscuit Factory Gallery, Newcastle
· 2020 Futures 2020, Mall Galleries, London
· 2019 Breeze Creative Group Show, Breeze, Newcastle
· 2019 Open Exhibition, Gallagher and Turner, Newcastle
· 2019 'SHOW', The Story Institute, Lancaster
· 2019 The Woon Foundation Prize, Baltic 39, Newcastle
· 2019 NCL London Show, Copeland Park, London
· 2019 Derby Print Open, Banks Mill Studios, Derby
· 2019 Newcastle Degree Show, Hatton Gallery, Newcastle
· 2018 Jane Doe Festival XL Gallery, Newcastle
· 2018 Interim Show Newcastle University, Newcastle
· 2017 Stooge Group show, Cobalt Studios, Newcastle
· 2016 Narrative, Newbridge Studios, Newcastle
· 2015 Everything Comes from nothing, Lime Street Studios, Newcastle
· 2015 Chaka: The Social Exhibition, Vamos Social, Newcastle