Ian Hodgson
Ian Hodgson is a British contemporary figurative artist, working mainly, in graphite. He's greatly known for his eery minimalistic figures in his work. Starting late in his career his artwork has lead him to gain international success as well as several exhibitions.
Working predominantly in graphite, Ian’s drawings extend from the figurative through to the abstract and experimental. His drawing process often leads to revisiting objects, figures and spaces and this reworking of the familiar has allowed Ian’s drawing practice to develop with each new approach, shedding fresh light on his subject matter.
In his work Ian uses graphite blocks, which he will use in their original state but also grind into powder and apply to the paper using using stencil brushes and fingers and remove and manipulate with erasers and chamois leather.
He finds great influence in artists like Carravagio, Egon Schiele and Francis Bacon. He is typically drawn to the raw uniqueness that these artists possess. Ian finds himself usually attracted to artists who are unafraid to pursue their unique vision regardless of the fashion of the times. He admires contemporary artists Tracy Emin, Chloe Piene, David Hockney and Antony Micallef for their individual approach and David Shrigley for his insightful wit.
Ian has mentioned that in his figurative work, he is usually trying to communicate a thought or an emotion, a psychological state whereas in his abstract/landscape works he's often attempting to find some light in the dark, a contemplative place. He also believes that they are all a form of self-portraiture.
The figurative/head/face pieces that Ian has produced are not portraits in the conventional sense, he is said to be attempting, with the use of a generic a male face/body, to represent an emotional state or sense of identity through physical gesture or expression. More psychological landscape than portraiture.
Ian Hodgson's work has become very impactful on my work and art development. The way he presents such an impactful but minimal figure is something I highly admire. The line work he uses is very strong, I find that the use of the lines gives the pieces such an eerie feeling around it. Ian's work has left me with such a strong appreciation for his work, I would most likely develop future drawing ideas with the influence coming directly from Ian Hodgson's work.