About Paul
Paul Biddle is an award-winning English artist, particularly known for his Surreal photography. He specialises in staging and photographing found objects, from nature or junk shops, to create playful pictures. Absurd and thought-provoking compositions define his contemporary Surrealism. Much of his fine art photography evokes imaginative, fairy-tale narratives. His series ‘Out of the Obscure’ is defined by jet black Ravens and Crows and bright red apples. Layers of symbolism suggest stories and ideas, while simultaneously leaving the narrative open for the viewer to interpret. Look closely, and you will find the unexpected in intricate details.
Photography techniques used by Paul include dramatic lighting and the play of shadows, which he creates in his studio. He has also taught himself to use Photoshop, in series such as ‘Cabinets of Curiosity’, as a means of inventing tableaux of mythologised and mythical characters. It is this exquisite lighting which re-arranges reality.
At other times, Paul photographs objects in museums, or he will start with a drawing and then a search to find objects to fit the idea.
His striking series, ‘Fantasy Islands’, features statues from antiquity floating in mesmerising, rippling waters. Pictured in black and white, the focus is on unusual perspectives– tiny windmills and trees balance on huge hands.
Paul Biddle’s fine art photography shows the influence of Surrealism and Dadaism. Like Surrealist photographers and artists from the 20th century, his imagery delves into the realm of the subconscious and dreams. His work also echoes Dada artists, like Marcel Duchamp, as he rejects the rational with illogical combinations of objects, from curled shells and moths to umbrellas and metamorphosed figures.
His work has been widely exhibited, both in Britain and around the world. He has won at least 15 international photography prizes for his Surrealism, and his fine art photography is held in private collections globally.
All photographs exhibited on this website are for sale. To request and buy Surrealism art prints from Paul, please visit the Online Shop.
Written by Ruth Millington, art historian and critic. www.ruthmillington.com