Gareth Bell
Gareth Bell is a self-taught portrait artist originally from Merseyside, but now based in Saltaire, West Yorkshire. His practice focusses on uncovering the stories and emotions that lie beneath the surface of his sitters, inviting the viewer to challenge their perceptions and possible misconceptions of the subject.
Gareth Bell
Gareth Bell is a self-taught portrait artist originally from Merseyside, but now based in Saltaire, West Yorkshire. His practice focusses on uncovering the stories and emotions that lie beneath the surface of his sitters, inviting the viewer to challenge their perceptions and possible misconceptions of the subject.
The Caregiver
Oil on MDF
89cm x 67cm
The Caregiver depicts Jim, a tattoo artist who has worked in studios in London, Brighton and Leeds.
In 2008, Jim started to notice changes in his mum, Christine’s, behaviour.
It began with mild episodes of confusion, but over the next few years progressed into something
that couldn’t be ignored.
In 2016, Christine was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
At this point, Jim moved back up north to care for his mum. Over time, her world has shrunk, her failing memory narrowing the lens through which she perceives her life and those in it. Throughout this time, Jim has remained a constant presence for her.
As Christine’s perceptive faculties diminish, so Jim’s perceptions have changed too: as well as caring for his mum, he’ll soon be a father himself, bringing what’s important into even sharper focus.
This piece aims to challenge our perceptions - of caregiving, of masculinity - as what we see, and
how we interpret what we see, only ever tells a fraction of the story.
