Reality De-Coder

David Egan's new exhibition, Reality De-coder, shows the power of art to stretch the imagination. By removing boundaries that define what we commonly conceive of reality, he prompts the viewer to consider what is depicted.

Egan's newest exhibition showcases 20 works, and opens for the viewer a state of childlike wonder and joyous imagination with two little words: what if?

This body of work is a mixture of canvas paintings and prints that filter Egan's signature continual line-work through graphic paint marks, in a fusion of graffiti and blotting, futuristic and abstract art. His figures and icons reveal the complex, often contradictory fast paced rhythm of urban modern life. Highly energised and frenetic, they almost threaten to explode out of the canvas.

"The marks of paint are open to interpretation and full of possibilities," says David. "People will notice things they wouldn't normally notice in the works and I want to encourage them to do the same within themselves."

Underneath Egan's rhetorical 'what if' in Reality De-coder is a prompt for his audience: consider the construction of 'reality' in their lives, through particular channels such as media and television culture, and break down the restrictions those ideals impose on us as a society. "I want people to see that anything is possible and anything can happen," says David Egan.

The Irish born artist is influenced by the multi-dimensions of contemporary popular culture, particularly fashion, architecture and design. These factors are considered by Egan in his works, usually acting as a starting point. He identifies four key areas in his process - concept, patterning, abstract narrative and abstract scenes.