SIMON BACK

Simon Back was born in Zimbabwe during an era of political isolation and civil conflict. He studied Fine Art in Cape Town before returning to Zimbabwe to teach in 1987. He currently lives and works in Mauritius.

Using variations of ink, wash, acrylic, and collage, Back’s paintings depict abstract, expressive forms overlaid with areas of flat colour. This practice evokes man’s relationship with the natural environment that is at once nourishing and precarious.

There are repeated references to natural forms in his paintings but also to desolate, open spaces. Some works portray land and water seen from above others deserted or ploughed fields with old reservoirs.
An integral part of Back's process is 'the act of painting over' - literally covering forms with planes of white or colour, which create a sense of absence in his work. Figures emerge from backgrounds or become obscured and ambiguous. Back describes his interest in the removal of something dear or important to us. In the same way, images or areas that become strong and important and which tend to carry the painting, eventually become the obstacle for it to continue.

An important theme running through Simon’s work has been the exploration of sacrifice; a concept incorporated and explored as both imagery, and as a working process.

Key elements or images which start to become essential or pivotal to a work, may need to be removed. In this vulnerable state, when the whole direction of a painting suddenly changes direction, one is forced to examine what is left, to build on what remains and discover the value of every remaining piece of space.

"My influences have ranged from primitive art to the Abstract and Neo-Expressionists of the 1950’s and 60’s_ I also draw much inspiration from the environment of my youth. My process of painting involves an interaction between the compulsive act of mark making within an often more constructed space."