I had big plans for 2020.
Before we were all forced to stay indoors by a microscopic bug I was all set to go off on a world tour.
It was a plan I’d concocted a year or so earlier following an unexpected hit with my ‘Art Mart’ exhibition at the Jealous Gallery in London’s trendy East End.
The invitation to put on the show had happened by chance but it was such a run-away success that I felt compelled to chuck some petrol on the fire.
I just had to take the show on the road - Tokyo, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and the rest.
Spurred on by the fact that my art went on to be featured in the Royal Academy and on the BBC, it seemed to be the right course of action.
When I say ‘my art’ I’m using a bit of my newly acquired artistic license.
That’s because, as usual, the ‘Art Mart’ show was a result of me teaming up with my consummately creative COY! collaborators.
Photographer Joe Giacomet, Director and D.O.P. Jonnie Malarkey, Kate Henderson, Andy Dymock, Juan Coello Hollebecq, Saskia Laroque Rothstein-Longaretti, Anna Longaretti and my super talented mates at A Large Evil Corporation.
Of course no ‘World tour’ would be complete without a specially designed wardrobe comprising of a range of matching hats and ‘magic’ trousers.
And I had to complicate the process even further (because the Devil made me) by insisting on publishing a book that I could sell alongside the accompanying lectures.
All of that stuff put the potential tour dates back a bit but by the end of 2019 it looked like 2020 would be ‘THE’ year.
I don’t need to tell you that it hasn’t been practical to travel outside of the UK during the last 12 months.
Sadly, I’ve seldom ventured outside of my front door (I can still be tempted out with a commercial script btw).
Still, ever hopeful, we all may be let out in the not too distant future and normal service can be resumed.
In the meantime, here’s a little reminder of the pursuits that led up to my ‘Art Mart’ show, captured in a smashing little film by my good friend Jonnie Malarkey.
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side.
Your artistic pal,
MDEsq.
CREDITS
Creative Director/Executive Producer - Mark Denton Esq.
Director - Jonnie 'Malarky' Malachi
Producer - Juan Coello Hollebecq
Photographer - Joe Giacomet
Stills Assistant - Oliver Clyde
Animation & Character Design by A Large Evil Corporation
Set Design by Joy of Sets (a.k.a. Jess Linares, Alex Grant-Said )
Wardrobe by Handsome Folk (aka. Craig & Spencer) / Emily Wilson / Sabina Piccini
Make-up Artist - Saskia Laroque Rothstein Longaretti
Hair by Anna Longaretti
2nd Unit Cameraman - Lee Thomas
Camera Assistant - Åsmund Berge Jenssen
Sound Recordist - Pablo Valverde
Edited by Matthew Prickett
Post Production by UNIT
Executive Producer at UNIT - Ian Luxford
Producer at UNIT - Tania De Sousa
Design & Typography - Mark Denton Esq. / Andy Dymock / Tivy Davies / Kate Henderson
FEATURING
Kate Henderson a.k.a. The Girl from the Mystic East (Croydon)
Dario Illari - Founder and Boss of the Jealous Gallery
Mike Meyer - Lettering Artist (Legend).
Also featuring signs by Paul Myerscough
Susanne Brown as Heidi
Roving Reporters - Harriet Braine & Saskia Laroque Rothstein Longaretti
Casting by Dara Lorentzson
Alan Ford as the Voice of COY!
SPECIAL THANKS
Kevin Mallett, Louise Fitzjohn, Guy Thomson, Seth Watkins , Dave Buonaguidi, Ellie Botwood, Toby Abbott, Magie McDermott, Sarah Williams, Debbie Carmichael, Louise Constad, Simon Tomlin, Sam Roberts, Sara Cummins, Jess Wilson, St Lukes London.
WITH THANKS TO THE JEALOUS GALLERY
A COY! Communications Production
In Association with Thomas Thomas Films
Thanks to Philippa Thomas and Trent Simpson