David Osbaldeston
Reader in Fine Art
“Drawing is the basis of everything I do. It is like a hidden language that operates directly out of the nervous system.”
David Osbaldeston’s innovative approach to collage and printmaking invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries between words and images. His work stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling, marrying the spontaneity of collage with the meticulous craftsmanship of intaglio etching, screen printing & painting.
Through his dynamic use of scale and material, he challenges traditional notions of value, class, and identity. Osbaldeston’s artistic practice embodies a unique synthesis of historical influences and modern techniques, as he navigates the intricate relationships between disparate elements. With a keen eye for the interplay of forms, he transforms the act of making into a form of social commentary, inviting us to reflect on our own positions within the fabric of society.
Based in the U.K. He works between Manchester, Scotland & London.
Further information: https://www.davidosbaldeston.com/
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
External Examiner, MA/MFA Fine Art, & MA Art & Material Histories,
City & Guilds, London, 2022 - 26
External Examiner, BA, MA, Fine Art, UWE, Bristol, 2015-19
External Examiner, BA Fine Art, University of Reading, 2010
Lecturer in Fine Art, Painting & Printmaking,
Glasgow School of Art, 2006-8
Projects
Word Props
Through drawing, painting, and collage, a more economic approach to materials has recently generated new work best described as 'word props' where the starting point of each formal outcome is a measured space according to the width of the digits on my right hand. This approach has led to an accidental abstraction; one that pursues poetic equivalence between the interpretive power of the printed word (both its loaded connotation and as an abstract sign) and the power of drawing as an approximate measure of perception. Details…
Research
David Osbaldeston is a member of the Art and Performance Research Hub.
Exhibitions
Osbaldeston, D., 2024. A Pastiche of Different Techniques, Glasgow Print Studio, 5/4/2024 - 25/5/2024.
Hunt, A., Osbaldeston, D., 2022. David Osbaldeston 'A Pastiche of Different Techniques', Moon Grove, 24/11/2022 - 25/1/2023.
Osbaldeston, D., 2018. Abstract Things: The Serving Library V David Osbaldeston, Bonington Gallery, Nottingham Trent University, 2/11/2018 - 15/12/2018.
Osbaldeston, D., 2017. Drawing Biennial 2017, The Drawing Room, 02.03.17-26.04.17.
Osbaldeston, D., 2016. The Practice of Theories, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge.
Osbaldeston, D., 2015. Modern History Volume 1, 2, & 3 curated by Lynda Morris, Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool, Atkinson Art Gallery, Southport, Bury Art Gallery, Manchester.
Osbaldeston, D., 2015. The Top & Bottom of It, Mechanism For a Future Reference, Matt's Gallery, London, 2015.
Osbaldeston, D., 2014. Annals of the Twenty Ninth Century, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge.
Osbaldeston, D., 2014. The Measure of All Things, Collective Gallery, Edinburgh., 15/3/2014 - 27/4/2014.
Osbaldeston, D., 2014. The Measure Of All Things, The City Dome, Collective Gallery, Collective Gallery, Edinburgh.
Osbaldeston, D., 2013. Living Matter - Inflection Sandwich, Piper Keys, London.
Osbaldeston, D., 2012. Marbled Reams, The Modern Institute, Glasgow.
Osbaldeston, D., 2010. A Model of the Serving Library (Diagram For A Search Engine), Amsterdam Kunstverein, Artists Space, New York 2011-12, Banff Centre, Canada 2011, Tate, Liverpool 2014.
Osbaldeston, D., 2010. Rijksakademie Open Ateliers, Rijksakademie Van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam.
Osbaldeston, D., 2008. Another Shadow Fight, International Project Space, University of Central England, Bourneville.
Osbaldeston, D., 2008. The Pleasure of Your Company - Nought to Sixty, ICA - The Institute of Contemporary Arts, 15/9/2008 - 22/6/2008.
Osbaldeston, D., 2008. The Pleasure of Your Company, ICA Galleries, Nought To Sixty, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London.
Osbaldeston, D., 2006. Your Answer is Mine, Matt's Gallery, 30/8/2006 - 8/10/2006.
Osbaldeston, D., 2006. Your Answer Is Mine, Matt's Gallery, London.
Artefacts
Osbaldeston, D., Holder, W., 2015. 'David Osbaldeston: Inflection Sandwich'.
Robin, K., Osbaldeston, D., 2007. 'A Trade Double, E3 4RR Portfolio'.
Osbaldeston, D, 2007. 'A Trade Double, Matt's Gallery Portfolio', A2 Folded Lithographic Ltd Edition Artwork. Made alongside 12 other national & international artists, designed by Phil Baines Professor in Typographic Design Central St Martins School of Art. Commissioned and produced by Matt's Gallery, London., Contemporary Art Society, Tate Gallery, British Council Collection, Leeds College of Art & Design, 2007-10.
Fusco, M., 2005. 'PUT ABOUT, AN ANTHOLOGY OF INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING', Book Works, London.
Books
Hunt, A & Osbaldeston, D, 2008. 'Another Shadow Fight: David Osbaldeston in conversation with Andrew Hunt', International Project Space, University of Central England, Birmingham.
Osbaldeston, D., 2004. 'On communication', Cornerhouse, Manchester.
Book Chapters
Osbaldeston, D., 2018. 'The Serving Library Annual 2018/19'. In The Serving Library Annual, Roma Publications.
Osbaldeston, D., 2004. 'The pen'. In Put about: a critical anthology on independent publishing, Book Works.
Journal Articles
Osbaldeston, D., 2015. 'Manifesto For a Photocopier, Art Papers', ARTPAPERS, may/June 2015, 6.
Conference Papers
Osbaldeston, D., 2019. 'Abstract Now Abstract Then, Gustav Metzger & Contemporary Drawing', Drawing Research Forum, The Drawing Room, London, 1/11/2019 - 1/11/2019.