Half A World Passed Me By: Artist David Walker unveils colourful new works

Featuring several ‘firsts’ for the artist, predominately known for his large-scale female portraits, Half A World Passed Me By includes both female and male sitters.

The show also sees the introduction of brushes, acrylics and new techniques for Walker, whose previous creations were made exclusively freehand with spray paint. On his new approach, Walker said: “Although the spray paint medium is still present in this new body of work, I feel using new approaches and materials has allowed me a fresh dexterity and an opportunity to mature as a painter.”

Collaborating with Berlin-based multidisciplinary artist Yuli Gates on a number of pieces within the show, David has also used Yuli as a model for some paintings. Together Walker and Gates have created works that juxtapose form and flora, fusing painting with hand embroidery techniques.

The show title ‘Half A World Passed Me By’ contains various personal references. WaIker explains: “I have been completely blind in my right eye since birth. It’s not common knowledge as I didn’t want it to be used as a USP for my work. I also turned 40 last year, coinciding with one of the most difficult periods in my life for many reasons. In the aftermath I feel far more fearless as a person and artist, and far more comfortable to invite people further into my world.

“Nowadays I’m more interested in making my work more intimate, I endeavour to create things that are an extension of my life and experience, the people around me and my reality.”

Born in London, Walker is now based in Berlin and has a studio in a former primary school in Kreuzberg, one of the few buildings in the area to survive the war. Walker comments on his now-home: “Berlin is full of life and inspiration, there is enough here to feed you forever.”

Half A World Passed Me By opens on Friday 17 November and runs until Saturday 9 December 2017 at Lawrence Alkin Gallery, London. For more information, visit lawrencealkingallery.com.

Main image: Shadow Play, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 90cm x 90cm | All images courtesy of the artist & Lawrence Alkin Gallery