David Rayson’s images explores the mundanity of urban and suburban life creating narrative through the traces left behind by human existence. Whilst Rayson’s early figurative work explored the Ashmore Park Estate in Wolverhampton where the artist grew up; his subject matter widened to include the depiction of domestic interiors in other locations including hallways and bedrooms, deserted underpasses, litter-strewn alleyways, and views through windows. In Rayson’s words: ‘I want my work to tell stories, stories which take place all the time and everywhere. . . . I feel it is the familiar and the everyday that reveal our complex and private relationship with the world around us.’
Rayson’s portfolio of 10 limited edition prints made with Kip Gresham exploit the vibrancy of oil-based screenprinting inks. Rayson creates interest through bold blocks of pattern which contrast with areas of flatness on the paper to lead the viewer’s eye around the scene.
Rayson was Professor of Painting at the Royal College of Art from 2006 to 2017. He has exhibited in the UK and internationally and his work is included in major collections including Tate, the British Council, Deutsche Bank, Brooklyn Museum and the Contemporary Art Society. He now lives and works from a canalboat, predominantly within Cambridgeshire.
