Michael Bell The afterparty

This picture is about my chaotic studio, my process of painting, and about remaining positive against the odds. I have borrowed some images from art history in making this picture. I had a lot of stories going through my head as I worked.

The composition changed radically while I was painting. I kept editing and reworking the surface, endeavouring to keep the picture fresh and new. The figure with the red flags is based on an old photo of myself – totally carefree at the age of seven.

Michael Bell, 2020