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UEL artist inspired by romanticism of Greco-Roman gods

Monday 20 February 2006

It’s that time of year again: joyful romantic abandon, lovers prancing round in the nude, ancient Greek gods stumbling across naked Roman goddesses whilst out hunting deer… Valentine’s Day is an amorous occasion, and this is reflected in new work on show at the University of East London (UEL).

Pete Cobb, Subject Director for Fine Art at UEL‘s School of Architecture and the Visual Arts, has created a series of copper prints reinterpreting the romantic imagery of ancient Greco-Roman gods. One of the prints, 'Wire Bacchanalia', was inspired by a Poussin painting in the National Gallery, while another, ‘Diana und Apollo’, is based on a 16th Century work by the German Renaissance artist, Lucas Cranach.

Pete said: “I saw the painting in Hamburg and was instantly fascinated by the idea of Apollo out hunting with his bow and arrow, stumbling across Diana resting peacefully on her deer. How do you kill a deer when there’s a naked goddess sat on top of it?

“I was also very interested in the idea of printing on a reflective surface and of drawing the two figures in reverse, so that Apollo’s outline is in copper and Diana’s is in pigment. This helps to create a pull formula between the two figures, and also gives the illusion of them existing in two different worlds – quite apt really, seeing as Apollo was a Greek god and Diana was a Roman goddess.

"'Wire Bacchanalia', meanwhile, simply captures the wonderful spirit of ancient gods prancing round in the nude. If only modern life could be that simple!"

Pete Cobb is currently working on neon versions of similar imagery to be shown at Hackney Forge gallery later this year. His prints are now on show at UEL's School of Architecture and the Visual Arts. For details of all exhibitions at UEL, call 020 8223 2495.

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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