During the summer, while in Germany, at the opening of my exhibition "On The Outskirts",
I had the idea of making a large painted portrait of a beautiful woman I met. She looked
like a spy, like a famous movie-star of the 60's or 70's (mid 60's precisely) straight out
of a Cold-War movie, or an early Bond film, so, I asked her if she would let me make a
painting of her, in that style i.e. glamorous, seductive, independent and full of intrigue.
Having seen my work, she gladly accepted.
This idea was also, obviously inspired by the nature and character of the city. Being in
Düsseldorf, with its particular architecture, atmosphere and light, one can easily believe
that this is a mid 60's spy-movie film-set.
I then decided, therefore, to make an identically
sized painting of the iconic Düsseldorf landmark 'The Vodafone Tower' which, with its glowing
red neon sign ominously dominating the city sky-line, would make a perfect companion to the
portrait, i.e. they would look and work well together.
Also, I wanted to record a movie-soundtrack
to accompany this project, again attempting to evoke the atmosphere of the city, through references
to 60's film music e.g. John Barry, Henry Mancini etc.
This idea was formed in Düsseldorf, inspired by Düsseldorf, so its only logical this work should be
carried out in Düsseldorf. I have found a suitable studio space to make the paintings and record the
music, and I shall be there for 6 weeks, starting November 1st. Because this is no ordinary residency,
and because of the nature of the work, and for other valid reasons, I decided it's best to travel undercover,
in secret. Hence the title of this mission "Düsseldorf - Undercover".