Nasser Azam

About Antarctica

Antarctica is the latest manifestation of Azam’s long-term performance painting project, in which he investigates how the conditions of creation find expression in works of art. In July 2008 Azam became the first artist to paint in zero gravity, a feat accomplished in parabolic flight over Moscow. During these flights he completed two triptychs inspired by Francis Bacon under weightless conditions.

Azam prepared for the Antarctica trip with a series of artistic trials in the freezers at Billingsgate Fish Market. The expedition was a special collaboration with Dromlan Antarctic Operations, which provides air logistics to the 11 nation scientific sites located at the Dromlan Maud Land area of Antarctica. Azam was accompanied by a cameraman to document the mission.

Over the course of a nine days on the continent (20–28 February 2010), Azam produced a total of 13 abstract oil paintings in response to his experience of a variety of frozen landscapes. The artworks were all painted outdoors, using specially designed brushes, canvas and non-freezing paints.

Working in situ, Azam excecuted a series of monumental canvases on an ice desert, an ice lake, and ice cave and a glacier. The paintings were left out overnight on each location for the elements to contribute to the compositions. The harsh conditions of the ice desert proved hazardous and four canvases were lost in high winds of the night. A special search mission two days later managed to retrieve one of the lost canvases.

The abstract motifs of the Antarctica series are informed by Azam’s physical and psychological response to this harsh and desolate environment. The works also draw on themes developed in his previous work, which comprise an extended meditation on the expressive and abstract possibilities of the human form.

Azam said: “It was impossible to prepare completely for this project, and I couldn't have predicted how tough the conditions were going to be. But I was able to complete most of the paintings as planned, and hope that they convey at least some of the amazing beauty of Antarctica. I can't wait for them to go on display in London and in other locations around the world'.

Azam prepared for the Antarctica trip with a series of artistic trials in the freezers at Billingsgate Fish Market. The expedition was accompanied by a cameraman to document the mission.

Nasser Azam’s Antarctica paintings are due to be showcased in an international touring exhibition later in the year.

Nasser Azam - About the Artist

Nasser Azam is a leading British contemporary artist, living and working in London. Azam became artist in residence at the County Hall Gallery in 2007, and swiftly mounted a series of displays showing the evolution of his early and more recent work. Since then Azam has opened five major exhibitions – the critically acclaimed Anatomica in April 2008, Life in Space in January 2009 and most recently Colour over Form in June 2009. Moving beyond the canvas, his work in sculpture, principally using bronze, has signaled a new path of creativity. His 4m high sculpture The Dance has recently been re-located to the new landmark hotel, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, from its previous positioned on London’s South Bank. Other sculptural projects have also included work for the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Dublin.

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