MARK ANNIS | ART REVIEW
Jacob’s Antique Market, West Wharf Gallery, Sat 11 Jan
Never having received any actual artistic training, painter Mark Annis’ work may justly be referred to as ‘outsider art’. It is generally (a) large (b) colourful, and (c) of the cubist type, full of angles and edges where, really, there shouldn’t be any. The walls they hang from are situated on the top floor of Jacob’s Antique market, a space which used to hold monthly vintage markets. Now, it is a smart gallery with views over the whole city. Go up one more flight of stairs and there is a comfy little reading room filled with books and plants and, outside on the roof, an interesting sculpture garden. A quirky little place, if ever there was one. Mark Annis himself is pretty quirky, too. Wearing a purple velvet jacket, he looks every inch the artist – and, that he is, for it was while studying at Middlesex Polytechnic that Annis realised he wanted to be a painter, and began in the best way, by simply throwing himself, heart and soul, into it. Having been diagnosed with autism at age 4, it was fortunate that Annis’s family had always encouraged him not to spend too much time staring inwardly, but to go out and actively engage with the world at large. As a result, his work is bold and confident, reflecting the self-assurance such encouragement must have engendered. Citing Picasso as his primary influence, the paintings show scenes including fruit, people, musical instruments, and that artists’ favourite: the wine bottle. They are vibrant and lively – a feast for the eyes – and extremely well-rendered. The colours are strong, but placed and paired so that the overall effect is pleasing, rather than jarring. The subjects are familiar, but the style so vivacious that the 2D subjects are transformed into something more like 3D – proof positive that this is cubism at its best, The artists’ famous aunt, actress Francesca Annis (star of the film Dune, I was excited to discover), told us that Mark is “a brilliant life force”. Having previously suffered kidney failure, Annis still forged ahead, with one of his works being chosen by the British Council in the 90s for their Christmas cards. Now, he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. However, in his words – “I want to live. I want to live every moment. I still have so much to say through my life and my paintings”. This is an exhibition which proves that he does. Wonderful work indeed.
words MAB JONES
Jacob’s Antique Market, West Wharf Gallery, Sat 11 Jan – Sat 1 Feb. Info: www.jacobsmarket.co.uk/westwharfgallery