Nigel Humphries
Mixtape | 2019
4 pieces
2019 was a year of pop comebacks, with the Spice Girls embarking on their surprise UK tour in May and ABBA announcing the autumn release of their first new music in 35 years. Boasting a line-up to rival them all is Nigel Humphries' Mixtape series, which features classic singers and bands including Queen and David Bowie.
Following the success of his superhero series, Nigel has untied his cape and dived paintbrush-first into the history of rock and pop icons. The collection takes us back to an era of homemade cassettes and, like any good mixtape, it’s eclectic but it’s one you’ll want to repeat over and over again!
A new direction
Nigel says: “I’ve enjoyed going down a different route and exploring new ideas. It’s been a challenge to bring the characters out, as they are both real people and well-known personas.
“Small figures are always fun, no matter what genre. It’s tapping into musical tastes and creating a sense of nostalgia by revealing the musical scenes of different eras. All of my work is based on fun, and I hope my new series reflects this.”
Bringing the world's biggest stars to life
Working from his purpose-built studio in the back garden, Nigel watched videos and researched costumes to capture the energy of his musical subjects. He also experimented with thicker layers of paint to depict the fabric and creases of their stage outfits.
Music, music, music!
Nigel says: “I’ve played the drums since I was 12 years old, when I received my first snare drum (inspired by the Boys’ Brigade). I gigged with pub and club bands on the indie circuit in the 1990s, covering the music of artists like Bryan Adams and Queen.
“I still have three drum kits, including a recently-purchased handpan drum – luckily my wife likes it! When I’m in my studio, I like to listen to all kinds of music, from progressive rock like early Genesis and Yes to It Bites, Cardiacs and of course The Beatles.”
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