Stubbs No. 2
Oakley studied at the Slade School of Art in London, and was greatly influenced by the work of the Belgian artist, Rene Magritte (1898-1967). He has lectured in painting in Carlisle, Belfast and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, but now lives and works in northern Cumbria. This is one of several boxed constructions owned by the Ferens, most of which have a surreal flavour, and makes an interesting comparison with Will Maclean's Predatory Voyage, also in our collection. Oakley has constructed a trompe l'oeil, an illusion intended to 'deceive the eye', a popular effect in 17th century Dutch painting. This enables him to create, in his own tiny art gallery, one of the most famous works by George (1724-1806), portrait painter of society horses. The artist explores the contradictions which lay in Stubb's approach of rigorous, scientific investigation and underscored his images of wild, untamed romance. The meat hooks and graphic references to skin and bone may also read as a comment upon butchery, blood sports and the tanning industry, which lie behind the cultivation and depiction of thoroughbred animals.
