‘Bum’ by Alan Dedman is an artwork currently on show at studio1.1 gallery in London, arising out of Dedman’s ‘Bums and mad dogs’ series from boyhood.

This Years Model 25 showing 'Bum' by Alan dedman
‘Bum’ on show at studio1.1

A seven year old, creating ‘naughty’ and terrifying images on a large scale in full view, was the childhood equivalent of graffiti art in central London. High risk.

Anyone whose child proffers such crazed pictures ought to question why? From the kid’s viewpoint there was obviously a reason; excogitating inner demons, communicating deepest concerns.

Alan Dedman in the corridor at the Royal Academy Schools

Dedman’s connoisseurship of the derriere was further distilled during his time at the Royal Academy Schools in London.

In this instance, Alan Dedman travelled back in time, taking learning encountered at the Schools with him. Asking: ‘How would I draw a bum now?‘ on bus garage doors. For ease and practicality, charcoal enabled a transliteration. Erasing was achieved with a soft cloth and paint-brush.

study for bum by alan dedman this years model studio1.1 photo of life drawing
Studies made by Alan Dedman at the RAS

In his drawings Dedman focuses on the power, gravity and sheer erotic force of the human female pelvis. Its ability to fixate attention, support the weight of an ‘owner’ and bear progeny into the World – a marvel of bio-engineering.

Making it for studio1.1 a cadged steel tank after being cut up
Steel tank used for ‘Bums and mad dogs’

Reiterating this on galvanised steel cut from a hot-water tank: the soft, grainy qualities of charcoal are juxtaposed against subtle clouds of lime, deposited over many years (since 1879 in fact).

Detail of 'Bum' by Alan Dedman
Detail of ‘Bum’ by Alan Dedman

No longer just a glyph for a ransacked rectum or the loud, visual expletives of a depraved child, we have an ethereal vision of what might be a feminine colossus wandering about in the sky. A weltanschaung only arrived at through the creative process in maturity.

The simplicity of the piece, its lingering unfinished nature wafted against brutal, industrial qualities of galvanised steel make it a unique, original and quirky act of self-expression. Only to be found at studio1.1

‘Bum’ by Alan Dedman in charcoal on galvanised steel 23 x 30″, is for sale, price £2,500.00.

If you are interested in purchasing this artwork, please leave a message on the contact form below.

You can view ‘Bum’ and other pieces in ‘This Year’s Model ’25’. Curated by Michael Keenan and Keran James, the exhibition (one of three) runs until the 2nd of February.

The gallery is open Thursdays through to Sundays, 12 noon until 5pm

studio1.1 is at 57a Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London

With thanks for continuing support from kind patrons, matrons, friends and family.

Photos by Alan Dedman and Casey Moore