Dom Pattinson’s brazen work is known for its complete innuendos and saucy visual banter across the urban art domain, which understandably sets him apart. The conspicuousness of his paintings is attributable not only to the outspoken concepts and fresh, vibrant colours but also the lively application which imparts lasting dynamics. His paintings are by no means inanimate in representation of elements; instead they never seem to rest once the beholding eye meets the painted surface. The light-hearted impulsive expression, albeit, occasionally burlesque, pulls the audience into its jauntily painted maelstrom and the spiraling kaleidoscope of vivid colours.

What is further unique about his work is that the visual language, although simplistic, is ginormous in concept. During a pre-exhibition interview in London with Adeela Badshah, a photographer from Karachi, Pattinson conveys that it is his mission to help people around the world and to collaborate with smaller human rights charities.

Unlike the inescapable morbidity of photo etched screens, Pattinson resorts to a specialised process which he has honed over a period of time. The collection of 13 mixed-media works, eight oil on canvas artworks and five on paper, showcased at the Sanat Gallery, Karachi, is primarily based on multiple stencils and spray paint. The various layers of stencils which he designs and cuts manually himself are deployed systematically to achieve the perceived composition. His impeccably masterful painting of one layer after another fulfills what he promises: every piece a magnum opus. Furthermore, to add spice to his work, the artist resorts to feisty brush strokes, while some of the paintings manifest prudent, but playful use of silver and gold leaf.

The underpinning factor to Dom Pattinson’s expression is the connotation that resounds with the prevailing global socio-political setting

The paintings that Pattinson has specifically made for Karachi depict images of children, animals and weapons. Deploying his particular skills to produce meaningful compositions, the artist aims to inculcate peace and hope through his tantalising dictions. He paints the earnestness of daily trivialities with a hint of satire, to underscore the gravity associated with them. The factor that underpins the artist’s visual articulation is the connotations that resound with the prevalent global socio-political milieu.

The painting ‘Till death us do part’, mixed media on canvas, depicts two individuals facing each other, with their heads morphed into pistol grips, the barrels fused together. The artist conveys that violence can even destroy the perpetrator, so the best option is to avoid such confrontations; hence the love sign.

The other Karachi-specific painting ‘Rain never stops play’, mixed media on paper, portrays a cricketer poised to hit a boundary. The game’s popularity combined with its characteristic to alleviate psycho-social frustrations, the artist hints at maintaining tolerance to curb violence. ‘Stand proud stand out II’, mixed media on canvas, is a delightful treat to the eyes depicting three zebras, a favourite subject of the artist, with goggled eyes and heart signs on their chests. The colourful, pop-art like concept packs a whole lot of meaning in how individuals need to represent themselves for achieving success.

Pattinson is a graduate of the Winchester School, UK, and a Masters degree holder from the Glasgow School of Art, UK. He has had solo shows in NYC, LA, and London over the past year. His work is held in many public and private collections, including celebrities such as rock star Liam Gallagher and actors Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Being popular in the US, he will be exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair, NY, by the end of March 2016.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 3rd, 2016