Portrait of serial worldwide cratedigger Gilles Peterson.
Ben Brophy and Mialy Rama commissioned this portrait (the first in my series of DJ portraits) so that it would be ready to present to Gilles Peterson (together with a portrait of Kerri Chandler which was presented to Kerri).
These are unlike most of my other works in that they are photographically derived. i.e. the painting/drawing was made from an already-existing photograph, rather than being ‘witnessed’ and drawn at first hand as my ‘live’ clubs capes are. However, in the selection and use of the chosen colours and materials, and the change of scale, the image undergoes a visual and tonal transformation.
When I use photographs in my work there is always a question at the forefront of my mind….’Why am I doing this, when there is already a really good photo in existence. It has to be more reason than simply “copying” an existing image or “reproducing” it.
Just copying a photo is pointless, boring and inauthentic, regardless of whether or not people ‘like’ the result. The transformation in my painted version is the use of monochrome tonal values over a deep blue background, and using this excessively “unrealistic” colour and tone to build an atmosphere that is almost mystical in mood, and emphasising the spiritual/emotional aspects of club music and club events.
With this portrait of Gilles, it was much easier to transform the original photo in my own composition than with the Kerri portrait, because the photo Gilles gave us was not as good, as active or as atmospheric as the photo that Kerri gave us.
The photo included a rather nice, and very well shot “mugshot” of Gilles, but he is just standing in front of a plain grey brick wall, as though he has just been released from prison or something.
Something a little more than a “remix” was needed here in order to bring depth, dynamism and meaning to the artwork. So I dumped the Cell Block H brick wall from the original photo, instead substituting it with a remembered ‘Vision’ of Gilles’ wonderful and long-running “This” club event that was packed-out every Monday night at Bar Rhumba on Shaftsbury Avenue in Soho for at least 10 years before it closed in 2006.
My ’This’ ‘Vision’ was informed by 4 or 5 live drawings I had made onsite at Bar Rhumba during 2003-2006.
Buy ltd edition, high quality, autographed, collectable print, 4 sizes, framed & unframed.
"I absolutely adore my Oscar Romp. Every time I look at it I'm taken back to that fabulous night.I feel that he has captured the energy, movement & sound beautifully.
Chatting to Oscar that night while he worked on the piece we struck a deal. As soon as the music stopped & the lights went up he would stop therefore capturing the evening in its entirety."
Ruth O'Riordan
"Oscar is a good friend & I commissioned him to do my portrait & I hope when I kick the bucket it will be worth something. lol
I have used it so many times, on business cards, Japan tour posters, flyers etc He is a very favourite artist.
DJ Richio Suzuki
"You bring so much joy, positivity, energy & talent to the jazz dance scene Oscar. Thank you for your captures & pieces from our Shiftless Shuffle events over the years. You are a great talent."
Perry Louis - www.jazzcotech.com
"An inimitable & original style."
Gilles Peterson - www.GillesPetersonWorldwide.com
"You are a true asset to the whole music scene & community Oscar. Thank you for your passion & devotion to creating your totally unique pieces. You are helping to preserve & document such an important musical movement whilst also creating beautiful pieces which deserve to uplift many homes & spaces. Looking forward to future projects."
Ben Brophy
"We've really appreciated the way you've captured the essence of our dancefloors over the years Oscar. Creative, original, representative & unique. We look forward to sharing more experiences with you."
Southport Weekender / Suncebeat - www.Suncebeat.com
"You have an amazing & unique talent Oscar. Thank you so much for your wonderful portrait & captures of me playing at Southport Weekender. Our scene needs people like you."
Kerri Chandler - www.facebook.com/KerriChandlerOfficial/
"Oscar Romp is and has always been an inspiration to me. He transfers our incredible social dance life and Love of musical rhythms to the canvas. Amazingly humble to the point of feeling inferior or unworthy but with a childlike love of life when things are going well. Tip Top and caring human being. I am blessed to know him."
Rocky Marciano Bryan
"Meeting Oscar for the first time on the dance floor while he was dancing and capturing the moment in between on canvas, was one of my most unique & inspiring experiences.
He has the talent & ability to amaze.
He translates the beauty of live dance through his pure passion for music, art & life. He is our historical record and our world is so much richer for him."
Tony Crilley
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Category
Artist Portraits, DJ Portraits
