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British artist Andy Dennett, also known as Add Subtract, draws from over two decades in the music industry, a fascination with celebrity culture, and the raw urban decay found on our city streets.
Initially pursuing music as his primary artistic medium, Add Subtract honed his skills in music production and sound engineering at The Academy of Contemporary Music in his hometown of Guildford. Transitioning to a career as a DJ, he performed at clubs and events across the UK while also managing his own record label and promoting fellow artists. It was during this period that he developed a keen interest in rave flyers and posters.
Inspired from a young age by the explosive works of Roy Lichtenstein and the iconic imagery of Andy Warhol, as well as discovering street art from pioneers like Blek Le Rat, Banksy, and Mr Brainwash in his late teens, Add Subtract has always found art to be both inspirational and captivating. Often intertwined with street art is the urban decay that lurks in plain sight across our cities—torn posters, stickers, tags, and layers of worn paint mingling with vibrant graffiti on crumbling surfaces—aesthetic elements that heavily influence Add Subtract’s artistic style.
In today’s culture, celebrity status and worship are ubiquitous, with the ability to observe their lives unfolding at our fingertips. We’re entranced by their stories, successes, and failures, globally inspired by their fashion choices and lifestyles. Yet, only the truly iconic or unique individuals find their way into Add Subtract’s “Twisted Icons” series.
Through his execution of a contemporary mixed-media style, Add Subtract crafts a unique storytelling collage, chronicling the lives and times of our heroes and icons. Immersed in the history and craftsmanship of each subject, he meticulously incorporates every detail, with each piece often fuelled by pivotal moments in the subject’s narrative. Rich in layers and hidden meanings, Add Subtract’s artwork invites viewers on a journey of discovery with every gaze.