Duncan McAfee

Since childhood, Duncan McAfee's unwavering passion for the arts has transcended the ordinary, blossoming from the meticulous hand drawn Zoids he created at the age of eight. Throughout his artistic evolution, McAfee immersed himself in the refinement of observational drawing, later delving into the world of figurative painting inspired by luminaries such as Francis Bacon, Euan Uglow, Lucian Freud, and Eric Fischl.

Duncan’s technique involves bold brushwork, an affinity for abstraction and dramatic contrasts of colour. The artist’s use of colour is a vital part of understanding his work with vibrant bold hues contributing to the visceral deep impact of his paintings. McAfee often manipulates forms and perspective to create a sense of disorientation and distortion, inviting viewers to question and confront the complexities of human experience.

Similarly to Bacon's style, McAfee’s series of Exploding Heads depicts the true anxiety of modern life, delving into themes of isolation, violence, and the fragility of existence. The paintings are chaotic in composition with little negative space. The figures are frequently depicted in violent, claustrophobic spaces, adding to the sense of emotional intensity and confinement. It’s celebratory and gritty, real and honest, and just a little bit outrageous.

McAfee’s experimental approach pushes the boundaries of both figuration and abstraction, making a resounding statement in the realm of high-end artistic expression.