A 5 layer CMYK process screenprint with added spot colour - For the theme of Play I chose to collect forgotten toys that because of their size often get left...
A 5 layer CMYK process screenprint with added spot colour - For the theme of Play I chose to collect forgotten toys that because of their size often get left behind, I scoured flea markets and car boot sales to pick up small beaten up toys that had clearly been played with over many years and created a still life composition that encompasses the memories of childhood. As you stare closely at the composition the viewer can think about who once played with these toys and what they might be up to now. This screenprint was designed exclusively for Blisters: Time to Play in September 2023, which showcased over 50 emerging and established artists, each with a brand new and exclusive edition of handmade screenprints responding to the theme of PLAY. From fairground rides to broader concepts about colour and abstraction, the show comprised an array of styles from street art to fine art illustration. The exhibition presented pieces from renowned contemporary artists such as Anthony Burrill, Oliver Jeffers, Morag Caister, Lucille Clerc, Babak Ganjei, John Booth and many more. And many Print Club favourites of course! Boxed framed, white grain
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Oli Fowler
Oli Fowler is an artist who specialises in screen-printing and graphic design.
Oli grew up in Kimpton, Hertfordshire and moved to London in 2000 to study fashion and textiles at Central Saint Martins. More recently, he received a BA in Graphic Design from Camberwell College of Arts.
Oli’s artistic practice spans across various forms of graphic art and design, including printmaking, illustration, photography, and photomontage, and he frequently combines these different mediums in his creative process. He values experimentation from the earliest stages of work and bends the rules of printmaking, allowing for chance and deliberate mistakes to give direction for the finished piece.
When screen printing, Oli often uses tape and stickers to break down the composition, and plays around with patterns, textures and photographs to create density of imagery. His dynamic, abstract compositions are characteristic by their use of sharp shapes and pure CMYK colours.
Alongside his freelance work, for the past five years Oli has also been involved with the Print Club London as a technician and tutor. He has led screen-printing classes and provided 1-to-1 tutoring for creative professionals and beginners alike.
He has had solo shows in London at the Shaws Booksellers, Blackfriars, and The Crown, Angel. His recent group exhibition The Time with the collective Up and Coming Art was held at The Mushroom Works, Newcastle.
Apart from occasionally experiencing a sudden impulse to draw the odd robot or two, Oli is interested in all things nostalgic, colourful, futuristic and is an obsessive collector of prog and jazz rock.
