The male figure sprawling — not posed, not performing, the body given over to a horizontal state that is simultaneously relaxed and exposed. Gavin Dobson's interest in the male form...
The male figure sprawling — not posed, not performing, the body given over to a horizontal state that is simultaneously relaxed and exposed. Gavin Dobson's interest in the male form at rest or in unguarded moments runs through his figurative painting practice, and Sprawling captures something that his upright and active figures don't: the body without the tension of standing, the vulnerability that comes from being horizontal and observed.
The distressed board gives the painting a texture beneath the painted marks — the surface carrying its own history, which sits underneath the oil as a kind of ground that wasn't designed for this purpose. Simple lines, Dobson's characteristic loose figurative approach, signed. £450.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Gavin Dobson
Gavin Dobson is a painter based in London, known for his vibrant and expressive artworks that often explore themes of identity, sexuality, and personal experience.
His work is characterised by bold colours, dynamic compositions, and a mix of abstract and figurative elements. Gavin frequently draws inspiration from his own life and the broader LGBTQ+ community, creating pieces that resonate with themes of love, desire, and the human form.
Gavin’s work has been exhibited in various galleries across the UK and internationally. Selected exhibitions include at Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Drewatts Auction Houses, ING Discerning Eye at The Mall Galleries, Film Four at Somerset House, and A celebration of Contemporary British Painting at The Bermondey Project Space.
In 2024, Gavin was handpicked by Brookfield Properties as their Pride Artist of the Year.
