MITCH GRIFFITHS 1971 Nuneaton UK

Mitch Griffiths British, b. 1971 Mitch Griffiths produces arresting contemporary portraits that address themes of isolation, obsolescence and conflict, mirroring a variety of issues seen in modern society, ranging from national identity, celebrity consumerism, social media and surveillance. Painting in oils, Griffiths scrutinises the 21st century through a traditional medium, employing a hyper-realist style learned from the Old Masters, directly recalling the paintings of Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Rubens. He says, ‘Many people say my paintings look photorealist’, he says, ‘but it’s not what I’m trying to achieve. I’m trying to make the viewer enter my reality.’ Born in Nuneaton in 1971, Griffiths developed an early passion for drawing. His school encouraged his proficiency by submitting his work to various art competitions. Griffiths pursued a career in art, enrolling at South Devon College, where he completed a diploma in graphic design in 1987. He later earned a Higher National Diploma in illustration at Southampton Institute. His work as a commercial illustrator, ranging from magazine covers to murals, was supplemented by temporary jobs, such as sheet metal work, for a more reliable income. Griffiths' first major success came in 1994 when he painted a portrait of boxer Chris Eubank and sent a photograph to Eubank’s agent, Barry Hearn. The boxer was thrilled with the piece and wanted to use it to promote his matches. Eubank subsequently commissioned a series of paintings and became Griffiths' patron for the next three years, setting up a studio for him in Hove.