More Portraits

This is the British singer/songwriter Polly Jean (PJ) Harvey. Her 30-year career to date has seen her adopt a different musical approach with almost every album release, with regular visual makeovers to match. She has become increasingly political with her recent output, tackling subjects such as nationalism, poverty, war, race and social division. One of my very favourite female artists.
The Canadian/American architect Frank Gehry, many of whose striking, postmodernist buildings have become world-renowned attractions and indelible symbols of the cities in which they are located. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, perhaps his most famous creation, is widely considered to have revitalised the fortunes of this port city following the decline of the steel and shipbuilding industries and transformed it into a go-to tourist destination.

His architectural style has been described as ‘deconstructionist’ but remains, above all, unmistakably Frank Gehry.

Roberto DeZerbi, former manager of Premier League football team Brighton & Hove Albion. The maverick Italian coach made a big impression on the world of football in the couple of seasons he was at the Sussex club. His high-risk and unorthodox tactical style regularly bamboozled many supposedly stronger opponents and won legions of admirers. (Full disclosure: Brighton are my home-town team and I’m a big fan.)

Note on the foreground objects:

The pyramid is a reference to Jonathan Wilson’s book ‘Inverting the Pyramid’, a classic geek’s guide to the evolution of football tactics and formations through the ages.

When discussing the club’s recent history and progress in interviews, DeZerbi often cited the club’s ‘DNA’.

A family portrait commissioned by some close neighbours of mine for the materfamilias on the occasion of her 70th birthday. I’ve known the family for over 30 years so there was no excuse not to capture their likeness. The image also features their home (just across the road from me) and numerous personal details pertaining to Sheila that were requested or suggested by members of the family.

Another family portrait produced for an old friend featuring children, their partners, grandchildren and beloved pet dog. All set against a classic Brighton seafront backdrop.

2 comments

  1. Grahame Joyce's avatar Grahame Joyce

    I have never heard of her George, I have a lot to learn! Has she seen this ad, if so does she like it – is it for a album cover project? Great art – love it and You can feel the love you have for her and her music.

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    • Geo Parkin's avatar Geo Parkin

      Ah thanks, Grahame. This was un-commissioned, just a personal piece to add to my portfolio. Sheā€™s probably not quite your sort of thing but Iā€™ve been a big fan for years. Always re-inventing herself but managing to be completely original at the same time. Glad you like it!

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