One of the UK’s most celebrated figurative artists, Mark Demsteader, is to unveil his highly anticipated, inaugural book, Moorland, at Manchester Art Fair this November 15-17.
The acclaimed Greater Manchester artist, who enjoyed international recognition with ‘Emma’ – a sell-out exhibition featuring portraits of the Hollywood star Emma Watson and featured in Vogue, rarely shows outside of London.
Now, however, Demsteader’s work, which has been acquired by famous faces including Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been captured in this beautiful 180-page book to be launched in Manchester. It documents his unconventional journey, from butcher at his father’s family’s butchery at Manchester Meat Market to bestselling figurative artist, providing a rare glimpse into his work and personal life.
Produced by Cheshire Art Gallery, who proudly represents Demsteader in the North and will stage an exhibition of the artist’s latest work at the Ack Lane East gallery in Bramhall from November 21 to December 7, and written by author and former Principal of Oldham Sixth Form College, Nick Brown OBE FRSA, Moorland includes in-depth interviews with the 61-year-old artist, alongside an exquisite collection of photographs.
Featured are images of the rich, luxurious textures and mesmerising muses for which Demsteader is globally recognised, including portraits of Emma Watson; Erin O’Connor; and Marianela Nuñez, a Principal at the Royal Ballet; in addition to never-before-seen images of the artist at work and at home in Uppermill, Greater Manchester.
It is this, his hometown, that inspired the title of the book, with Saddleworth Moor providing the artist with the space and stillness that he so cherishes. “You feel like you’re in a different universe up there, everything stands still,” says Demsteader.
Moorland will be unveiled by Demsteader at the exclusive preview evening of Manchester Art Fair on November 15 ahead of an exclusive talk at the acclaimed fair on Saturday November 16. Here Demsteader will provide a first-hand insight into his rise as an artist and how those early years working as a butcher taught him more about the structure of sinew, bone and flesh, albeit livestock not human, than in any subsequent life drawing class.
A book signing will follow from 11am to 1.30pm providing art enthusiasts with the opportunity to meet with the acclaimed artist and be amongst the first to secure a copy of the highly anticipated book. It will be staged by Cheshire Art Gallery on stand 302.
Two editions will be available – a signed hardback special collector’s edition limited to just 200 copies (£80) and a paperback edition (£30). A short film produced by award-winning film maker Gaius Brown, will accompany Moorland and is available to view by all at Exhibitions at Cheshire Art Gallery.
Speaking ahead of the launch of Moorland at Manchester Art Fair, Demsteader said; “I`m very happy to be exhibiting at this year’s Manchester Art Fair and to having the opportunity to unveil my first book Moorlands at the event.
The book was put together in collaboration with Nick Brown OBE FRSA and Cheshire Art Gallery whose hard work made it possible.”
Ella Pemberton of Cheshire Art Gallery added on the launch: “We’re looking forward to bringing Mark’s work to Manchester Art Fair. Not many paintings stop people in their tracks, but Mark’s work really does, it’s an absolute honour to be able to show his paintings and see the response that they provoke.
“Despite being so admired and studied by so many students, Mark has always shied away from the limelight, with very little written on him. This is until now. Moorland is the only real resource on Mark, in which he talks explicitly about his life, works, and technique. It’s the book that collectors, students and admirers of his work have been waiting for.”
Director at Manchester Art Fair, Sophie Helm, concluded; “Mark is one of the most respected figurative painters working in Britain today. His powerful depictions of the human form have sparked a renaissance of interest in traditional life drawing amongst the art collecting fraternity. We’re incredibly proud to provide him with a platform to unveil his inaugural book, Moorland, here in his home city of Manchester, and to provide visitors of Manchester Art Fair with a rare glimpse into his journey to becoming a bestselling artist.”
Manchester Art Fair returns to Manchester Central this November 15-17. Attracting over 13,000 art enthusiasts, the fair is one of the city’s most celebrated cultural events, bringing together over 170 UK and individual artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces in the heart of Manchester.
This year the event, designed for the collector, creator and simply curious, will feature more newness than ever before, complemented by an impressive programme of high-profile talks, immersive experiences, and workshops.
