BIOGRAPHY & ARTIST STATEMENT

Identity, gender, sex, and sexuality are prevalent themes in the large scale mixed media figurative work of painter Peter Bradley. Driven by the artifice of social constructionism, Bradley’s investigation is inspired by those individuals who do not feel constrained by outdated ideas of what is acceptable or expected of them. His paintings are an analysis of identity presentation between and beyond the gender binary and a celebration of self-expression. Particular attention is paid to the ever evolving realisation that gender, sex, and sexuality all exist on a spectrum.

More recently Bradley’s work has taken on an exploration of how we as a society perceive and interact with one another. We understand portraiture by relating it to ourselves, much like we relate to everything else around us; be that visually, spatially, or emotionally. By redefining the formula of a portrait he encourages the viewer to examine their perception of identities they may not understand. When the expected formula of elements in a portrait has been interrupted or distorted we are forced to shift our perception of what we are seeing in order to make sense of it. We are compelled to think differently about the subject and our connection with them. It is, however, impossible to fully comprehend the lived experience of someone of another gender, sex, sexuality, race, or body type but It is important to recognise that we don't need to understand something in order to appreciate it and respect it.

Using layered transparency, light, and reflectivity in his work has allowed Bradley to analyse the reciprocal relationship between the viewer, the work, and the environment. If the movement of the viewer has an effect on their perception of the piece then they become part of the work, unique in that exchange. The perceived effect of their actions on the work is designed to make the viewer think about how our actions affect those around us.