Jonathan Darby : branded nation

I discovered this artist in an article in the Guardian and then subsequently attended his exhibition at The Print House Gallery in early August. Darby's body of work centers on the ideology behind "the phenomena of how brands and their visual aspects are taking over public space; leaving us less and less choice about what surrounds us". Visually his work is poignant and draws you to consider how you yourself are affected by branding and its motives. I aim to discuss Darby's work in my dissertation and found this exhibition to open up a reflective view of modern consumerism.

Darby typically uses mixed media in his work and a layering/collage effect which works to illustrate how we as consumers are covered by corporate marketing, allowing it to be piled upon us. He also features characters with whom you can relate to, whether they be displaying a feeling of innocence or loss of, thus creating an emotive response with the public.