THE STORIES BEHIND THE ARTWORK
THE STORIES BEHIND THE ARTWORK
With the upcoming Lloyd’s Art Group exhibition set for the end of November 2024, I felt inspired to create a related series. I worked in the Lloyd’s building from 2000 to 2003 and have frequently visited since as part of my career in the insurance industry. It’s an iconic building that represents the career I love.
Lloyd’s Pink and Green November 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 30x30cm
With this work, I am exploring how shades of pink can be used to express the curved shapes in the Lloyd’s building.
The building has always captivated me. I admire the concept behind its design: all the mechanical elements are situated on the exterior to enhance visibility and foster eye contact within the space. In the insurance industry, honesty in presenting risks is paramount, and being able to see “the whites of their eyes” is deemed the best way to ensure transparency. Consequently, the building's design promotes honesty.
Lloyd’s Pink and Blue November 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 25x25cm
The background pink here is vertical rather than my usual horizontal. This is to emphasise the height and shapes of the Lloyd’s building. The building itself is represented in silver and blue, echoing the original colour of the building and reflections of the sky on the metallic surface.
Lloyd’s Purple November 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 20x30cm
This work explores the City at night with dark shades of pink and red representing the sky. Many shades of purple are used to express the curved shapes in the Lloyd’s building.
Lloyd’s has faced its share of controversies, including the insurance of slavers, the bankruptcy of individual investors in the 1990s, and issues surrounding diversity.
Nevertheless, Lloyd’s is committed to evolving as a modern organisation, exemplified by initiatives like the annual ‘Dive In’ festival, which is now in its 10th year. This festival encourages the market to recognise inclusive and diverse cultures as essential, not just for compliance, but as a crucial factor for long-term success.
Lloyd’s Blue and Red November 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 20x30cm
This work explores the City at night with dark shades of red representing the sky. Many shades of blue are used to express the curved shapes in the Lloyd’s building.
Lloyd’s Blue November 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 20x30cm
With this work, I am exploring how using only shades of blue can express the curved shapes of the Lloyd’s building.
