Born in Margate in 1976, Mark Charlton began his career in animation and design before transitioning to fine art. Now based in Shoreham-by-Sea, UK, he is an abstract expressionist artist whose work focuses on the exploration of surface and material. Drawing inspiration from nature, science and the layered histories embedded in the landscape, Charlton creates compositions that invite viewers to engage deeply with texture and form.
Charlton’s work often references the presence of ancient structures like monoliths and stone circles, evoking the sense of forms that endure over time, marked by erosion and human influence. These references are subtle and manifest in abstract compositions that feel both timeless and uncovered.
Charlton’s process involves cutting, assembling, layering and rubbing back paint on paper. The result is a combination of bold graphical elements and textured surfaces. By allowing different materials to interact, the work reveals moments of contrast and balance through abrasion and disruption.
Each piece feels like a found object, carrying a sense of history and permanence. From a distance, the works appear bold and sculptural; up close, they reveal intricate details. Whether displayed individually or in groups, Charlton searches for a stillness within the work that serve as platforms for contemplation and reflection.
