Marcus Lyon
Exodus
EXODUS I - Damascus, Syria, Edition 2/7
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Exodus is a word of epic proportions, one that has been used to characterise a change so significant that has altered societies and nations throughout history. Due to its historical and biblical references, we instinctively identify exodus with the arduous migration of populations, often under dramatic circumstances.
In the age of global transport and abundant services of undefined origin, contemporary society is increasingly relying on a constant state of migration in order for it to function according to the models the advanced western lifestyles dictate. The fundamental idea of postmodernism, whether in art, finance or lifestyle is that an individual no longer revolves around a particular community or even society in general. Rather he/she is part of a global culture that should and must provide goods and services on demand and without delay. In short, the world revolves around us. We have created our own personal ecosystems based on our personal preferences and we are constantly reminded – thanks to the power of advertising - that we are deservedly entitled to it. The individual is now a Global Consumer. |
In Exodus, Marcus Lyon has produced a series of meticulously executed images that manage to capture the scale behind the global migration of people as well as systems and services.
In a paradoxical move the work does not focus on a through-the-microscope view of the individuals affected by this state of globalised migration through the - not uncommon - images of nomadic communities and the hardships they endure. What we get are large-scale, epic, images that reveal the summative effect of a global demand for goods and services. Lyon’s artworks suggest an infinity of global proportions, with an undefined beginning and end. From densely populated urban environments to layers of jet trails or countless containers, there is a sense that you are looking at components of the engine behind global economy: globalisation’s conveyer belt. Exodus is a poetic and mature piece of photography. It is hard to imagine a better way that the sensitivity and depth of this subject matter could have been captured and executed. We are very pleased to be able to showcase this exceptional body of work. Marina Syrmakezi, Gold Circle Founder & Curator |
EXODUS II - Dubai, UAE, Edition 2/7
EXODUS III - London, UK, Edition 2/7
EXODUS IV - Hong Kong, China, Edition 1/7
EXODUS V - Pudong, Shanghai, China, Edition 2/7
EXODUS VI - West Lamma Channel, South China Sea, Edition 2/7
EXODUS VII - Tin Shack City, Cape Flats, South Africa, Edition 1/7
EXODUS VIII – Khayletisha, Cape Flats, South Africa, Edition 2/7
All images © Marcus Lyon
Bio
Marcus Lyon (born 1965) is a British artist. His works and publications are held in both private and international collections including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Arts Council of Great Britain. His work has been exhibited internationally most recently during Paris Photo 2012.
Born and raised in rural Britain, Lyon read Political Science at Leeds University, Leadership at Harvard Business School and Performance Measurement at the Kennedy School of Government. His early working life with Amnesty International in Latin America was the seed of inspiration for his exploration of the issues surrounding development and urbanisation. His work and commissions have taken him to 91 countries in the last 2 decades. In early 90’s he founded the Glassworks, an award-winning multi-disciplinary art studio that acts as a gallery, exhibition venue and centre of excellence for commissioned and original artworks.
Over a twenty-five year career he has built a significant reputation as an exhibition and portrait artist. He has photographed a diverse range of public figures from Queen Elizabeth II, to Bill Nighy and the last four British Prime Ministers. Lyon has won numerous awards for his work including the B&H Gold Award, Agfa Photograph of the Year, a Prix Pictet 2012 nomination, a D&AD Silver nomination and 5 AOP awards. His early essay work focused on social issue led reportage. He has created extensive bodies of work around the subjects of disability sport and the underclasses of the developing world with a particular focus on street children and manual labour. The early 21st century saw his work move from the micro to the macro with the formation of the large scale BRIC and Exodus series: explorations of urban expansion and migration in the modern world. In recent years he has undertaken significant collaborative commissions producing large-scale imagery in the science/art arena. His current work Hinterland explores the inflection points of critical change that define the relationship between the man-made and natural worlds.
Outside of the art world Lyon is a determined social entrepreneur and an active public speaker on both photography and development issues. In the wider photography community he is an ambassador for The Photographers' Gallery and Photovoice and the Chairman of the Syngenta Open Photography Award. In the not for profit sector he serves as a Founder Ambassador for Home-Start UK and the Chairman of the global think-tank and advocacy network The Consortium for Street Children. Currently he lives in central London with his wife, Bel and their daughter Florence (2010) and their son Arthur (2012).
marcuslyon.com
Born and raised in rural Britain, Lyon read Political Science at Leeds University, Leadership at Harvard Business School and Performance Measurement at the Kennedy School of Government. His early working life with Amnesty International in Latin America was the seed of inspiration for his exploration of the issues surrounding development and urbanisation. His work and commissions have taken him to 91 countries in the last 2 decades. In early 90’s he founded the Glassworks, an award-winning multi-disciplinary art studio that acts as a gallery, exhibition venue and centre of excellence for commissioned and original artworks.
Over a twenty-five year career he has built a significant reputation as an exhibition and portrait artist. He has photographed a diverse range of public figures from Queen Elizabeth II, to Bill Nighy and the last four British Prime Ministers. Lyon has won numerous awards for his work including the B&H Gold Award, Agfa Photograph of the Year, a Prix Pictet 2012 nomination, a D&AD Silver nomination and 5 AOP awards. His early essay work focused on social issue led reportage. He has created extensive bodies of work around the subjects of disability sport and the underclasses of the developing world with a particular focus on street children and manual labour. The early 21st century saw his work move from the micro to the macro with the formation of the large scale BRIC and Exodus series: explorations of urban expansion and migration in the modern world. In recent years he has undertaken significant collaborative commissions producing large-scale imagery in the science/art arena. His current work Hinterland explores the inflection points of critical change that define the relationship between the man-made and natural worlds.
Outside of the art world Lyon is a determined social entrepreneur and an active public speaker on both photography and development issues. In the wider photography community he is an ambassador for The Photographers' Gallery and Photovoice and the Chairman of the Syngenta Open Photography Award. In the not for profit sector he serves as a Founder Ambassador for Home-Start UK and the Chairman of the global think-tank and advocacy network The Consortium for Street Children. Currently he lives in central London with his wife, Bel and their daughter Florence (2010) and their son Arthur (2012).
marcuslyon.com