Marcus Coates
Marcus Coates, born in London, UK in 1968, continues to make London his base of operations. His artistic journey revolves around delving into the intricate dynamics among humans, animals, and nature. Through his work, Coates endeavors to unravel the complexities of our relationships with one another and with the environment we inhabit. Employing a method of radical empathy, he immerses himself in various states of existence, seeking to probe the essence of contemporary life, our collective past, and the potential trajectories of our future. Central to his practice is the examination and critique of the tools we employ in our interactions.
In his quest for understanding, Coates often transcends the constraints of conventional language. His approach is not merely theoretical but functional, aimed at fostering social and ecological change. Collaborating with diverse groups, ranging from the general public to experts in fields such as anthropology, ornithology, choreography, and politics, he orchestrates collective inquiries into humanity's place in the natural world and the intersections between them. Together, they grapple with profound questions, exposing the fractures within society and within ourselves that hinder meaningful connection.
Through this collaborative effort, Coates not only reveals these disconnects but also proposes and implements new modes of relating, challenging existing paradigms and initiating tangible shifts in perspective and practice. ❖
Artworks on Display
A continuation of the Ritual for Reconciliation photo series, 2013. This work presents photographic portraits of some of the most iconic birds of Britain. Coates' photographs capture these portraits in a traditionally anthropomorphic way, focussing on facial details, to reveal the beauty and personalities of these individual beings. Once he has produced and printed the 'perfect' print, Coates scrunches it between his hands into a ball, which he unfolds and presents. It is an intuitive action that Coates describes as 'making mortal', an embodiment of the vulnerability and human impact on these threatened birds. ❖
MARCUS COATES
British Birds of Pray, 2022
MARCUS COATES
British Birds of Pray, 2022
MARCUS COATES
British Birds of Pray, 2022
Merlin, 2022
Red Kyte, 2022
Eagle Owl, 2022
Honey Buzzard, 2022
Barn Owl, 2022
Golden Eagle, 2022
-

Marcus Coates
Represented by Kate MacGarry Gallery
-

Interview with the artist Marcus Coates
By Art of Change
-

Marcus Coates: Conference for the Birds
by Dave Pritchard
-

The Directors
The Directors 2022
