David Mitchell is an internationally acclaimed artist, celebrated for his exploration of the subconscious and his quest to depict the complexity of human perception. His art is deeply rooted in his personal journey and profoundly affected by his experience with left temporal lobe epilepsy (LTLE), a condition that has amplified his creative output and shaped his distinctive style.
Mitchell's artistic career traces back to the early 1980s, beginning in fashion photography across London, Florence, and Milan. His monochromatic imagery, reminiscent of Jacques-Henri Lartigue, quickly garnered attention, leading to work with esteemed fashion labels and top-tier magazines such as Vogue and Elle. Simultaneously, he broke ground as a pioneering foreign photographer in the thriving Thai fashion scene and expanded into commercial photography, capturing influential advertising campaigns for high-profile clients.
However, as Mitchell's interest in the superficiality of fashion waned, he delved into more profound projects, addressing topics like disability and terminal illness in children. This shift in focus marked his journey towards fine art. From the mid-1990s, his work evolved from black and white photography to vibrant color, mirroring his inner transformation and revealing the intensity of his sensory experiences.
His artistic progression was significantly influenced by the onset of LTLE. Mitchell's condition led him to a profound awakening, opening up a trove of sensations, memories, and vibrant colors, resembling what philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty described as "the inward tapestry of vision." His LTLE-induced creativity was a catalyst for an intense exploration of his inner world, inciting an uncontrollable drive to give form to his experiences and construct a visual language for his altered states of perception.
Today, Mitchell's work is marked by a departure from tangible reality, leaning towards abstraction and a conscious use of color to capture the richness of his experience. His early collage foundations have faded, with recent works becoming more abstract, resulting in images that are truer to their intent. Regardless of evolving techniques, Mitchell remains unswayed by photographic purity; his goal is to create images that faithfully encapsulate his experiences.
David Mitchell's oeuvre speaks volumes about his relentless pursuit to encapsulate the intangible: the expansive terrain of human consciousness. Despite the complications presented by his condition, he regards his epilepsy as a vital facet of his artistic persona. His craftsmanship has garnered global acclaim, with his works featured in prestigious art fairs, galleries, and exhibitions. His pieces are highly coveted by private collectors, and his more contemporary print work is offered in strictly limited editions