|
With
the launch of a major nationwide touring exhibition, Mackenzie has
turned his attentions to the universally popular theme of football
and created a collection of unique football imagery that captures
the essence of football.
Acknowledged
as one of today’s most exciting talents, Mackenzie brings to us
this magnificent exhibition entitled - ‘The Game Of Life’.
Being
staged at Regent Galleries in Worcester and Stourbridge, the exhibition
consists of a collection of limited edition prints, sculpture, merchandise
and stunning Limited Edition book.
 |
| Boy
and ball by Mackenzie Thorpe |
Speaking
about ‘The Game Of Life’, Thorpe commented, "Football has always
been a challenge to me. I never stayed with the ball long enough
to do anything. I never really followed or supported a team, yet
still, I did stay out all night in the snow once, to get a ticket
to see George Best play.
"Somehow
the excitement was infectious and it managed to get through to me.
In one way or another, whether you are interested in football or
not, the game, more so than any other, does seem to touch us throughout
our lives.
"As
children we only had a worn down, unlaced, deflated leather casy
ball. It wouldn't bounce, it was like heading a brick and it stung
your hands if you saved it.
"Yet
any given day we could adopt exotic names like Pele, Lev Yashin
and play in the World cup, sing the songs and listen to the crowds
roar. All of this was in total contrast to the grey, cold, down
town streets we played in. Whatever
your age, whatever your background, the magic of football goes far
beyond the pitch.
"I
invite you to remember the moments when the game has had a lasting
effect on your life, of how it has brought friends together, united
whole communities, even countries.
"How
it has filled you with a passion and a purpose and how it reflects
life itself, in its losses and frustrations, near misses and great
wins."
In
recent years, Thorpe has enjoyed record sales of his work. Despite
leaving school without any qualifications (his dyslexia undiagnosed
at this stage) and struggling to enter art school as a result of
his learning difficulties, he has beaten all the odds to become
one of the nation’s best-loved artists.
 |
| Mrs
can we have our ball back? by Mackenzie Thorpe |
He
first rose to public prominence in the UK when William Hague chose
to use one of Thorpe’s paintings for his annual Christmas card –
he has now completed three designs for the Conservative politician.
Celebrated
collectors include Sir Elton John, Bill Wyman and Cameron Mackintosh
amongst others.
Thorpe’s
last major one-man exhibition, curated by the Halcyon Gallery and
held at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, confirmed the artist’s
reputation as a British sensation.
Over
one million pounds worth of original paintings were sold within
the first twenty minutes of the exhibition opening, with collectors
from across the country queuing to secure their purchases.
|
