The Contradiction emerged from my frustration with political inaction and the widening gap between truth and response. Watching leaders downplay the climate crisis, inequality, and poverty in the face of overwhelming evidence felt like witnessing cognitive dissonance unfold in real time—a desperate attempt to keep beliefs and behaviours in harmony, even when the facts refused to align.

The painting centres on a hunched figure, heavy with unease, its three crowded heads caught in a restless swirl of thought. Each head embodies a different force in conflict: long-held beliefs, uncomfortable truths, and the stubborn desire to be “right.” The palette is dark, the mood challenging; this is a piece that refuses resolution.

For me, creating it was cathartic—a way to confront the dissonance directly. For the viewer, I hope it unsettles, disturbs, and provokes reflection, just as the realities that inspired it continue to do.

This painting has been created on a wooden cradle board. It is a mixed media piece comprising of Acrylic Paint, Graphite, Oil Pastel, and Ink, Coloured Pencil. The painting is 50cm by 50cm, has been sealed with three layers of satin varnish to protect the work and comes ready to hang.

'The Contradiction' has over 10 layers of paint contained within it. Building it up layer by layer creates depth, texture and history. The lumps and bumps on the surface make it almost tactile and the interplay of shape next to line and pencil next to paint creates interest and drama within the piece.

I have 5 framed limited edition prints available. These prints have been created on aluminium using a special layering process. The coloured inks are applied with unique textures for each layer, which means each print carries a hint of the original texture from the artwork itself! For those who want a piece of the magic, the framed limited edition prints are available for £250. Please select the Ltd Edition Print Option to make a purchase.

Ltd Edition Print Image Size: 40cm by 40cm.
Total Framed Dimensions: 43cm by 43cm by 4cm.

This piece has been exhibited at The Royal Cambrian Academy Of Art, The Crypt Gallery in London and the Venice Biennale.