Dan Baldwin (1972-) creates a unique and immediately recognisable vision in his silkscreen prints. His work is at once both abstract and figurative, reflecting both reality and the world of imagination. Baldwin's subject matter is the interior of his own mind, from rumination on love, memory or philosophical issues, to an airing of opinion on politics and/or current affairs. The work is multi-layered, both physically (Baldwin can use glazes, diamond dust,collage and 3D media on top of his silkscreen surface) and in terms of meaning.
The motifs with which he plays often reccur- skeletons, swallows, crucifixes, childrens' story book illustrations, spiders, robins, trees, knives, flowers, cartoon figures- and are often contradictory, creating an uncomfortable and sometimes sinister paradox. Each motif has a meaning (swallows generally signify innocence for example), although the meanings can vary slightly from print to print depending on the overall ethos of the piece. Symbolism is key to Baldwin's oeuvre- both his own interpretation and the personal response of each viewer. These symbols of death, life and love reflect Baldwin's preoccupation with the 'big questions' of human existence.
Born in Manchester, Baldwin studied at Eastbourne College of Art and Design and then Kent Institiute of Art and Design. He lives and works in West Sussex. Baldwin's work is collected and exhibited nationally and internationally.
