Alexander James Hamilton (born 2 December 1967) is a British contemporary environmental artist best known for his figurative and vanitas works using the medium of water.[1][2]
Alexander James Hamilton | |
|---|---|
 Artist Alexander James Hamilton in front of installation t the exhibition ‘Death of the dream’, Dellasposa Gallery, London. August 2017 | |
| Born | 2 December 1967 |
| Nationality | British |
| Known for | His vanitas & figurative works in the medium of water |
| Website | www |
Career
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Hamilton's work is noted for its intricate compositions that are submerged in large volumes of purified water, which are then photographed as still life images which retain the clarity and semblance of fine art paintings and the look of Caravaggio's Chiaroscuro.[3] Hamilton works with the subtle distortions and reflections caused by the movement of water.[4] He is a photographic purist, whose underwater scenes are documented only by analogue camera, without any post-production or digital editing.[5] His work explores ‘the moral issue’ and the ‘future of the world’.[6]
In 1990, Hamilton established the Distil Ennui Studio, the umbrella from under which he operates, exhibits and hosts artist residencies around the world mentoring young artists.[7]
In 2012 Hamilton published a book titled Tokyo Taxi celebrating Japanese lighting design - Publisher: Merrell Publishers Ltd - ISBN 9781858945699.[8]
In 2012 his culture-driven work saw him re-locate an entire art production to Moscow to the historic Red October chocolate factory to launch his exhibition Rastvorennaya Pechal[9] held at the Triumph Gallery, Moscow.[10] In 2015, his Oil + Water project was shortlisted for ‘Environmental photographer of the year 2015’ award.[11]
In 2018, Hamilton donated a collection of his artworks from Visions from the shoreline to fund the first plastic and aluminium fully recycling facility based in Maldives.[12][13][14][15]
In 2019 Hamilton re-opened a disused photographic paper factory closed since the 1970's to host the 'Dark Vat' artist residency, in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia.[16] 12 young Russian artists participated in the 3 month residency. The resulting public exhibition changed the landscape of art in the region of Krasnoyarsk, Siberia.[16]
In 2020 Hamilton worked with the local community to re-open the last standing Baroque Carmelita Convent still standing in Spain.[17][18] The convent had been closed to the public for over 170 years. Hamilton hosted the exhibition Renaciendo, the artist bequest a museum standard lighting system to the space to ensure its future public use and restoration.[19]
References
edit- ^ Charlotte Simmonds,"The underwater photography of Alexander James". newstatesman.com. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ Paul Carey-Kent,"Alexander James Hamilton: Art Into Action Into Art". fadmagazine.com. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ Michael Petry,"Nature Morte Contemporary Artists Reinvigorate the Still-Life Tradition". thamesandhudsonusa.com. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ Jeff Campagna,"In the Freezing Cold of Siberia, One Photographer Sought to Mix Oil and Water". smithsonianmag.com. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ Bob Chaundy,"Alexander James - Intersection". huffingtonpost.co.uk. 8 March 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ Vernon Press publish Animae by Emma Coccioli 8 November 2018.
- ^ "Meet Alexander James Hamilton of Distil Ennui Studio". voyagela.com. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ Merrell Books publish Tokyo Taxi 10 March 2012.
- ^ "Alexander James. Rastvorennaya Pechal". wsimag.com. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ D. Garrison Golubock,"Alexander James Moves to Moscow (Video)". themoscowtimes.com. 16 September 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ "Oil + Water exploring enthalpy of fusion is shortlisted for Environmental photographer of the year award 2015". distilennui.com. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ "British artist Alexander donates artworks to fund plastic recycling facility in Maldives". maldives.net.mv. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ "Makers Place Studio – The New Addition Of Sustainability By Soneva". coralglass.media. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
- ^ "Slowlife Chats with Alexander James Hamilton". soneva.com. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ Emily Bowles,"Zero Waste Makers". sublimemagazine.com. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ a b "Museum curator Oksana Budulak with Makers of Siberia 'Dark Vat'". makersofsiberia.com. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ "Jesus de Andres of Neuva Alcarria News visit 'Renaciendo'". nuevaalcarria.com. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ "Renaciendo' Spanish News Cast - Medio Ambiente, arte, patrimonio y turismo se unen en torno al convento". nuevaalcarria.com. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
- ^ "El convento de las Carmelitas vuelve a la vida 160 años después para acoger la exposición de un artista internacional". nuevaalcarria.com. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2022.