With an ever-present sense of appreciation Fred Coppin set about to produce this latest body of work. Contemplating the ‘tools’ that we use to support life, things we can absorb ourselves with, be rewarded by, use as markers to navigate our lives. From coffee, to chess, to dinner parties, to pets, to hiking, to therapy, to sport and many more.
Some paintings suggest solitude, some bravery, some just sheer frivolity. Some like Stand Up (referencing comedians) and Tattoo walk the line between joy/pleasure and horror/pain. The coffee machine ‘Flat White’ hovers between futuristic possibility and contemporary humour, a machine of such complexity and so many parts, sufficient to absorb even the most ardent of coffee obsessives. Others like Dinner Guests and Pets have what Coppin refers to as a ‘wonky energy’ and fun. As he puts it, he is messing with peoples’ obsessions. The works are both a humorous compilation of observations and a lense of self-awareness through which we can view ourselves.
Supermoon and Halfway House feel reflective and solitary, conjuring a feeling of calm through a clever use of darkness. As is often the case a suggestion of travel and holiday is seen in works like Horizontal and Girl in Cabin. After a residency in Florence staying in an old painters cottage Fred found that it was the contents of this charming cottage, untouched by time, that left the greatest mark on him inspiring the works Uffizi and Germano’s Books. His sea of faces at Wimbledon in Spectators is filled with unique expressions, individuals sharing a moment of fun or intensity. No single face stands out, he has achieved a harmoniousness to this group despite all the individuality, no mean feat.
This group of paintings has a painterly freedom that demonstrates Fred’s growing maturity and confidence as an artist. The variety of mark making lends a depth to the work. The human figure appears in nearly every piece, another sign of growing courage. He has found a way of incorporating people in an authentic way.
I feel this series will mark a moment of significance in his career where he develops his use of expression and consolidates aspects of his unique style.
Candida Stevens, 2024.