Guy Catling analysis

Guy Catling is an English artist who recently graduated in 2014 and now has a BA Hons in graphic design. He is best known for the floral work that he has done, which was inspired by him visiting a graveyard and experiencing the juxtaposition between life and death. After this, Catling responded by adding patterned fabrics over the top of dull images to give them a new lease of life. Catling focuses on giving photographs an entire new feeling. By using collage and graphic design, Catling creates bright contrasting compositions that have been inspired from what surrounds him.

In this composition, an old war photograph has been used by Catling to work on top of. Floral fabric has been collaged over the soldier’s helmets to form a brighter mood. Catling has taken a photograph with a dark subject matter and uplifted this mood by injecting colour and life into it. Therefore, a juxtaposition is created by Catling between life and impending death. Additionally, this is particularly emphasised due to the contrast between a black and white photograph and a colourful fabric. By using fabrics, Catling gives his compositions another dimension in terms of texture which accentuates the colours further. As a result, his work captures texture, layering and vibrant colours. The limited use of colour acts as a small explosion amongst the vast amounts of tone that the photograph is providing, therefore bringing a sense of hope into the composition. As the fabric is covering the helmets, it could portray how the soldiers have a flourishing life at home of which they are yet to pursue after hopefully returning home from war. As the helmets are all covered in different fabrics, it reflects the differences between the individuals, which accentuates the diversity of the Armed Forces.

Catling uses patterned fabrics to collage onto black and white photographs. Consequently, adding these vibrant textures softens their dull moods and raises them to a more uplifting tone. I have been inspired to pursue ways of doing this myself whilst still using the reductive process. I have thought about removing elements of a photograph and then layering patterns underneath so that the pattern shows through.