Michael Kirkman monoprints

We're delighted to offer this updated selection of Michael Kirkman's latest monoprints.

These unique prints are the result of slowly drawing on the reverse side of a smooth sheet of specialist paper.

Whilst the face of the paper lays on a very thinly inked sheet of glass, the pressure of a pencil drawing on the reverse forces the inked surface and the paper to connect. This action transfers a corresponding inked mark mirroring the weight of the pressure applied to the tone of the resulting mark.

The final image takes on a soft yet tonally rich quality distinctive to this process.

Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art, Michael Kirkman graduated from an MA course at the Royal College of Art, London in 2010.

Michael’s inspiration comes from a need to communicate moments in time that seem strange or extraordinary, to capture what goes unnoticed. Some important influences include Eduardo Paolozzi, Mimmo Paladino, Balthus, Edward Burra and Jonathan Gibbs.

"Kirkman’s drawings are like memories inscribed, or vignettes of lived experience. Just as one can have detailed memories of particular objects from places we have visited, but no recollection of other aspects, so too Kirkman’s images convey a sense of our selective memory...  As he consumes experiences of travel and looking searchingly at the work of others he is developing his own singularly powerful draftsmanship; a constant readjustment to his surroundings.” Simon Martin, Director, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester.