Artist's Work
2013-2014
William Costelloe constructs his ‘Boxing Series’ works using a complicated painting and drawing process which unites the figures within the boxing club surroundings. His series is more of an exploration of visual surface and texture. The paintings focus on movement and the objects within a conventional boxing club rather than the pure act of boxing focusing on the boxers. William instead creates a suggestive ‘tension’ or ‘fight’ using different mediums; in other words, letting the mediums battle it out on the canvas.
Composition, which is integral to William’s work, is shown with formality and balance that underpins the energy of the boxer’s movements. In the boxing ring, which is contained by ropes and a referee, the composition keeps the movement within the canvas creating an even greater tension. Even though the figures are not the central point to the piece, they are vital to ensure presence and vitality is maintained within the paintings.
In his 'Absence and Presence Series', William explores the relationship of what makes an absence present and a presence absent. The series focuses on pubs, cafes and old brasseries.
The central theme to William's works are the objects which are associated within these interior spaces such as empty pint glasses, leather sofas and beer stained tables. He focuses on these objects to infer that a 'being' or 'presence' was present within the space, creating a remote and isolated atmosphere. William's deliberation of not using figures within his works was developed to create a tension between the work and the viewer. Therefore leaving the paintings to a viewer's interpretation and questioning what is in the work and can a relationship between painting and viewer be created looking at objects? He develops this idea further using a muted palette to enhance the atmosphere and depth living within the works.
Absence and Presence Series