A&D ANNUAL 2021

Joshua Purvis

Joshua Purvis is an artist who utilises a range of different mediums in his practice. From traditional oil paintings to graphically detailed multimedia works, his artworks stem from his broad range of interests, spanning traditional portrait painting to animation documentaries. Many of Joshua's artworks are based around memory and history, and how the past shapes both who we are and the reality that we live within. This artwork is a portrait of Joshua’s grandfather. The portrait is based on an old photograph taken of his grandfather in the 1950s and the photograph has faded over time. Joshua attempted to capture this passing of time by painting the portrait with oil paint and then removing the paint with a scrubbing brush and paint remover, leaving only a faint resemblance on the canvas. This portrait, like many others by Joshua, attempts to capture the passing of time using materials that are designed to resist the passing of time.