Natural Selections is a show highlighting endangered species, is this a subject you have been interested in for a while ?
A few animals featured in the Americana series of last year, a Golden Eagle, Mountain Lion, and Buffalo to name a few. They were to emphasise the importance of animals in native American culture and that’s where the seed was planted and the it was a logical progression.
Did you go and see the animals in the wild ? Did you paint them from photos ?
Like all of my research I completely immerse myself in the subject, everything from primary research observing the animals, to studying books and anatomy, imagery, films, museums, literally everything, It’s something that I have always done.
How long has it taken to put the show together ?
The show has been the culmination of one of the most intense and immense periods of undertaking in my 20 year career. I started in December and finished the last piece a week ago.
The show is at The Hospital Club , do you like exhibiting your work in spaces that aren’t galleries ?
The Hospital Club space is a wonderful place to exhibit, the ‘Warhol vs Banksy’ show put the place on the map as a great platform to view cutting edge work and the show was tailor made for it. It’s very modern and completely compliments and contradicts the subject matter which was very important.
Do you support any charities that look to help endangered animals?
I do and I am hoping to be working with charitable foundations in the future, as the whole purpose of this show was to raise awareness. The statistics are frightening of how many species could be become extinct in our lifetime. I am hoping to explore over the next year and visit some of the incredible places that preserve the existence of specific species.
Was there a specific incident that made you decide to work on Natural Selections?
I love animals I always have, I love how they move, the dynamism, the spontaneity,their colour and textures, the incredible beauty and brutality of their existence I find very moving. This body of work was always meant to occur and has been building up in my mind for a long time.
If there was one question you could ask yourself what would it be and what would be the answer ?
Why? Why not?
Dave White ‘Natural Selection’ exhibition – a must see! in articles from the artzine on artrepublic.com
Dave White Natural Selection will be taking place at The Hospital Club in London between 22nd June and 7th July 2012. www.davewhiteart.com
