Refrain - An Exhibition by Ian Hodgson

About

Ian’s work engages with identity and place exploring the transformative process of journey filtered through memory. The depiction of light in space and on surface plays with the divisions between the physical and psychological, the solid and the ethereal. Heads and bodies feature as representations of internal conflict and resolution regarding his place in the world whilst the recurring fingerprint motif is used to signify the self.

Working primarily in graphite on paper, Ian finds that by restricting his material choice allows him to   fully explore and understand the properties of this medium. Applying sandpaper and embossing tools to work on the paper adds further layers of texture and mark making to the drawings.

Ian’s drawing process often leads to re-drawing objects, figures and spaces,  
This repetition gives rise to the title of the show Refrain, where, as in music and poetry, certain passages and phrases are replayed and revisited in order to underline meaning. This reworking of the familiar has allowed Ian's drawing practice to develop, each new approach shedding fresh light on his subject matter.