EAAF in lockdown
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is currently closed and EAAF events have been suspended as we follow the Government’s advice to reduce the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). Our work continues as we stay in touch with our members by email, profile our artist members through EAAF Presents and provide scholarships at Norwich University of the Arts. We are very grateful for our members’ support and look forward to the time when we can visit exhibitions and gather together again. Amanda Geitner, Director
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is currently closed and EAAF events have been suspended as we follow the Government’s advice to reduce the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). Our work continues as we stay in touch with our members by email, profile our artist members through EAAF Presents and provide scholarships at Norwich University of the Arts. We are very grateful for our members’ support and look forward to the time when we can visit exhibitions and gather together again. Amanda Geitner, Director
During lockdown, East Anglian Art Fund has been profiling artists from the region - this week Tobias Arnup
Tobias Arnup : between order and chaos
Tobias Arnup, Morpheus God of Dreams, gouache on paper 2020
EAAF member Tobias Arnup studied Fine Art at Camberwell School of Art before going to work as an Art Psychotherapist, focussing on working with offenders with personality disorder and other mental health problems. He has always based his image-making on still lives and interiors. For many years, his favourite medium was egg tempera, although he has recently begun to work more with gouache.
We asked Tobias to describe his work -
As a student, I came up with a rather formulaic notion that at the heart of my work was a search for a balance between order and chaos: I think essentially that this is still true.
What keeps you up at night?
A deep sense of self-loathing and shame. What a waste of energy!
What is your favourite part of your practice?
My favourite part is also the most scary - when I get to see someone’s reaction to a finished painting.
Which artists inspire you most?
The 2002 exhibition at the Hayward Gallery ’Paul Klee: The nature of Creation’ was wonderful and one that I really lost myself in: I still love his work. Although I do not particularly enjoy making landscapes myself, if I was allowed to go and see one real painting right now, it would be one by Van Gogh.
If you could step inside an artwork for a day which would it be & why?
More than anyone else, I was influenced by my late father and his painting. I remember his tight composition, his love of exploring materials and his daring mark-making. I would choose a portrait he did of me when I was a child so that I could watch him at it once again (and, whilst I was there, give my 5-year-old-self a good talking-to).
To find out more about Tobias Arnup's work CLICK HERE