Controversy, Comedy, and Art. Ian MacKenzie catches up with Simon Brodkin
“There is no money in art” voiced the Careers Advisor, as Ian attempted to make a choice between his exciting creative talent and the monotonous ‘A’ Level subjects ahead. Any ambition he had in the world of art ended abruptly there.
Over thirty years later, with one successful profession under his belt, Ian stated that in terms of art, the above remark was the best advice he had ever received.
He has not only become a No 1 Best-Selling author on Amazon with his art related book “The Storytelling Artist – The Road to Controversial Art”, but he has turned the life experiences of his career in South Wales Police to his creative advantage.
Having managed the policing security of the Welsh Parliament for his last ten years in service, portraying controversy on canvas became second nature to Ian, with leading politicians such as Boris Johnson and Donald Trump being depicted as never before.
This culminated in two paintings of Simon Brodkin, the infamous comedy prankster who has continually contravened security around politicians and celebrities such as Trump, Theresa May, and Kanye West to name a few; the very activity that Ian prevented in his policing role.
“The irony of this is that I now meet up with Simon Brodkin every time he comes to Cardiff. We have a mutual respect for each other’s talents. He owns my artwork and I enjoyably wait for his next comedy stunt!”
The Heritage Series
Having spent the last 10 years of his policing career managing the Welsh Parliamentary Police Unit, Ian came across numerous accounts of the Bay, the buildings, and its people. This information coupled with his previous knowledge of policing the community has steered his artwork to create pictures literally of Cardiff Bay life. This has become the bedrock for his Heritage Series.
This artwork has been purchased by collectors from London to America as well as local Welsh art lovers.
The series is hitting a chord with its strong storytelling and personal references to so much Welsh culture, Welsh history and Welsh life.
“The series is endless. The more I create, the more it invokes emotions and ideas from viewers and collectors. And there is so much to tell about the Welsh nation. All through their hands no less.”
