What does masculinity mean to you?

‘In-between Us’ seeks to examine identity and masculinities, challenging social constructs and stereotypes through art by weaving connections between the past and present.

Join us to investigate how ideas of masculinities have changed across centuries, reflect on the ever-changing concept of being a man, explore previously unknown LGBTQ+ histories specific to Essex and engage in conversations around the fluid nature of masculinities.

Cutting photographs from fashion magazines, London-based artist David Lock creates collages upon which to base his paintings.

Using this approach he created his signature Misfit series of paintings, which combine advertisements and imagery from mainstream media. The collages and subsequent paintings, which are featured in the show, have a performative quality, revealing masculinities as a multifaceted, and ever-changing process.

Featuring over 18 works, including oil paintings, watercolours and large-scale vinyl collage, the exhibition reflects on Roman artefacts and classical statues, which Lock compares with contemporary images and representations of the male body, creating a contrasting effect.

Lock’s interpretation and use of Roman artefact imagery in the exhibition creates an important link to the rich Roman history of Colchester and Firstsite, home to The Berryfield Mosaic, dating from around AD200. Click to learn more about the Berryfield Mosaic.

This is David Lock’s first solo public exhibition showcasing existing works and six paintings making their first public appearance.

About David Lock

David Lock lives and works in London. He graduated from Goldsmiths, London with an MA in Fine Art in 2001, following a first-class BA (Hons) in Fine Art from The University of Reading in 1999. He has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. In 2018, he had a solo show ‘Fragmented Eros’ at studio 1.1, London where he presented a new body of work. His painting ‘El Muniria’ was selected for the ‘John Moores Painting Prize, 2018’, after which the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool acquired the painting for its permanent collection.

In 2011, David was awarded the Abbey Award from the British School at Rome, where he studied Roman artefacts. In 2021, he curated the exhibition ‘Burra and Friends’ at Rye Art Gallery which showcased the work of Edward Burra and his contemporaries, together with contemporary Queer artists. His most recent commission in 2022, is for the arts charity Hospital Rooms.