Pierre is an English born artist who learned his craft training with the notorious painter and swordsman Lorenzo Gandini. Brought up a strict Roman Catholic, Pierre’s early experiences of authority and religion deeply influence his art. Having been turned away from university because of his dyslexia, he began producing art for the club scene painting backdrops for raves across the country. By the time he was 21 he was also working for the church conserving, restoring and renovating for one of the ministers of the Church of England. Painting traditionally in oil and gold leaf he brought the two together and created his painting The Gallery Woman which became the iconic face of Gallery Night at Turnmills. Struck by the spiritual aspects appropriable to both club and church he went on to paint DJs Judge Jules, Seb Fontaine, Tall Paul, Sister Bliss, Brandon Block and Alex P as saints for World DJ Day. Judge Jules now hangs his portrait, Julius Maximus in his home study. Leading a varied life, Pierre soon crossed paths with retired celebrity gangster Dave Courtney. His portrait of Dave which features real gold and diamond jewellery depicts him as an angel, playing again, with increasing interest, in life’s ambiguities and contradictions. Pierre then went on to paint the late Diana Princess of Wales, raising funds for the Terence Higgins Trust and exhibiting as part of Think Pink. In May last year Pierre was invited to lecture at Central St Martin’s in London. Speaking to students about his process of creation he said: "The inspiration for my work comes from what I see and the people I meet; my research is the way I live my life." |