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photo by Bernard Mitchell
. DAVID GARNER
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"Political Games 2", 1995
industr.boots/steel/wood, 152x152x30cm
collection Univ.of Galomorgan
"State of Play", 1997
industr.detritus
210x430x91cm
"History Lesson 2 (Tryweryn)" 1998, assemblage of mixed media
137x110x76cm
"Whatever They Say I Am,
That's What I'm Not", 2006
mixed media
c.50cm high(artist's collection)
David Garner was born in 1958 in Ebbw Vale/South Wales. From 1977 to 1978 he attended a Foundation Cource at Newport College of Art, which was followed, from 1978 to 1981, by a degree course at Cardiff College of Art. Between 1981 to 1984 he did his M.A. in Fine Art at the Royal College of Art in London. He has his studio in Argoed/Gwent and is on the Executive Committee of the Welsh Group and the South Wales Group.
David Garner is a political artist [and deeply committed to Amnesty International]. Passionate and culturally specific, his work has been described by artist and writer Iwan Bala as 'essential'. Bala writes, 'there is no place for subtle artifice in Garner's work. In a world of prevarication, evasion and doubt, Garner presents us with certainties, truth to material and the truth of moral outrage.'
In his exhibition at Newtown (Sept.2004) Garner's evocative assemblages deal with the disposability of people. Objects and images from everyday life are used to make works that reflect upon injustice and inequality, particularly with regard to refugees and displaced people. Recycled, discarded materials salvaged from our throwaway society are bundled, creating packaged belongings, packaged lives. Torture, imprisonment and the processing of people are explored through works that are imbued with the theatrical and, at times, wry humour. Honest and powerful, these works barely conceal a driving anger about social and moral injustices.
His compelling and controversial exhibition in Swansea (Sept.2004) is the brand new work of the Wakelin Award prize winner. It is no coincidence that it opens on the third anniversary of 9/11, as it confronts the issues of the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Palestinian suicide bombers. The exhibition consists of three main pieces, one of which is an installation featuring the film 'Jenin Jenin' directed by Mohammed Bakri. This film has been banned from release in Israel and is dedicated to its producer Iyad Samudi, who was shot and killed shortly after its completion. This comment, on what to many is an ever-present threat, is a rare opportunity to see an artist confront real issues (both quotations from: http://www.artx.co.uk/exhibit.asp).
Teaching Experience: 1985+ Lecturer at Coleg Gwent; 1986-94 Lecturer at Gwent College of Higher Education.
Awards: 1983 Paris Studio Scholarship from the RCA, 2004 Richard and Rosemary Wakelin Purchase Award.
Commissions: numerous
