David Osbaldeston
Reader in Fine Art
What I do contends with power relations, or hierarchical structures through the associative space between image and text. This is often realised in the form of unique prints and collaged objects that draw upon the collective memory of artistic motifs, stylistic codes, and associated ideologies. This is done to engage with the possibilities of a given image through the poetic fluidity of the word as a pictorial device. These elements are often re-purposed into absurd psychologies or technologies to produce new dialogues and to activate a given space.
Through a personalised pursuit of drawing, painting and collage, what happens in the studio often evolves into a deliberately awkward parallel structure of meaning. This approach aims to translate or destabilise existing channels of communication and authority. As a result, each time a transformation takes place something different occurs. Despite a world of labels, this feeling is in-itself nothing but a form of sensation. It is one which intends to subvert an established pattern of meaning, such as perceptions of class or identity which have always been the foundation for work to take place.
A number of works are held in various public institutions including the Whitworth Art Gallery, Tate collection and library, and the British Council Collection.
I currently live and work between Manchester, London & Scotland and my work is represented in the UK by Matt's Gallery, London. https://mattsgallery.netlify.app/artists/david-osbaldeston
Further information: https://www.davidosbaldeston.com/
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
External Examiner, MA/MFA Fine Art, & MA Art & Material Histories,
City & Guilds, London, 2022 - 26
External Examiner, BA, MA, Fine Art, UWE, Bristol, 2015-19
External Examiner, BA Fine Art, University of Reading, 2010
Lecturer in Fine Art, Painting & Printmaking,
Glasgow School of Art, 2006-8
Projects
Word Props
Through drawing, painting, and collage, a more economic approach to materials has recently generated new work best described as 'word props' where the starting point of each formal outcome is a measured space according to the width of the digits on my right hand. This approach has led to an accidental abstraction; one that pursues poetic equivalence between the interpretive power of the printed word (both its loaded connotation and as an abstract sign) and the power of drawing as an approximate measure of perception. Details…
Research
David Osbaldeston is a member of the Art and Performance Research Hub.
Exhibitions
Osbaldeston, D., 2018. Abstract Things, Bonington Gallery, Nottingham Trent University, 1/11/2018.
Osbaldeston, D., 2017. Drawing Biennial 2017, The Drawing Room, 02.03.17-26.04.17.
Osbaldeston, D., 2016. The Practice of Theories, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge.
Osbaldeston, D., 2015. Modern History Volume 1, 2, & 3 curated by Lynda Morris, Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool, Atkinson Art Gallery, Southport, Bury Art Gallery, Manchester.
Osbaldeston, D., 2015. The Top & Bottom of It, Mechanism For a Future Reference, Matt's Gallery, London, 2015.
Osbaldeston, D., 2014. Annals of the Twenty Ninth Century, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge.
Osbaldeston, D., 2014. The Measure of All Things, Collective Gallery, Edinburgh., 15/3/2014 - 27/4/2014.
Osbaldeston, D., 2014. The Measure Of All Things, The City Dome, Collective Gallery, Collective Gallery, Edinburgh.
Osbaldeston, D., 2013. Living Matter - Inflection Sandwich, Piper Keys, London.
Osbaldeston, D., 2012. Marbled Reams, The Modern Institute, Glasgow.
Osbaldeston, D., 2010. A Model of the Serving Library (Diagram For A Search Engine), Amsterdam Kunstverein, Artists Space, New York 2011-12, Banff Centre, Canada 2011, Tate, Liverpool 2014.
Osbaldeston, D., 2010. Rijksakademie Open Ateliers, Rijksakademie Van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam.
Osbaldeston, D., 2008. Another Shadow Fight, International Project Space, University of Central England, Bourneville.
Osbaldeston, D., 2008. The Pleasure of Your Company, ICA Galleries, Nought To Sixty, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London.
Osbaldeston, D., 2006. Your Answer Is Mine, Matt's Gallery, London.
Artefacts
Osbaldeston, D., Holder, W., 2015. 'David Osbaldeston: Inflection Sandwich'.
Osbaldeston, D, 2007. 'A Trade Double, Matt's Gallery Portfolio', A2 Folded Lithographic Ltd Edition Artwork. Made alongside 12 other national & international artists, designed by Phil Baines Professor in Typographic Design Central St Martins School of Art. Commissioned and produced by Matt's Gallery, London., Contemporary Art Society, Tate Gallery, British Council Collection, Leeds College of Art & Design, 2007-10.
Books
Osbaldeston, D., 2019. 'Communication', Wiley.
Hunt, A & Osbaldeston, D, 2008. 'Another Shadow Fight: David Osbaldeston in conversation with Andrew Hunt', International Project Space, University of Central England, Birmingham.
Book Chapters
Osbaldeston, D., 2018. 'The Serving Library Annual 2018/19'. In The Serving Library Annual, Roma Publications.
Osbaldeston, D., 2004. 'The Pen'. In Put about A Critical Anthology on Independent Publishing, Book Works.
Journal Articles
Osbaldeston, D., 2015. 'Manifesto For a Photocopier, Art Papers', ARTPAPERS, may/June 2015, 6.
Conference Papers
Osbaldeston, D., 2019. 'Abstract Now Abstract Then, Gustav Metzger & Contemporary Drawing', Drawing Research Forum, The Drawing Room, London, 1/11/2019 - 1/11/2019.