"In a world deprived of colour I see an abundance of light."
Internationally renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe was raised in an industrial town in Northern England during a period of long economic hardship. Struggling with dyslexia early in his life, Mackenzie found salvation in painting and drawing. His works express an entire range of human emotion, from the special bond of love and friendship, to the importance of self reflection and individual triumphs. His works are a tribute to the creativity within all of us and are a vivid expression of hope and the human spirit.
Though later in his life, influenced and inspired by Van Gogh and Rothko, Mackenzie Thorpe is a unique artist who paints obsessively whatever emerges from his complex psyche, in whichever style best communicates the message. Working primarily in pastels, his imagery ranges from funny animal characters to dark-cloaked figures carrying hearts or flowers. His palette moves from gray tones to vivid primary colors.
Mackenzie was born the first of seven children in 1956. His upbringing was no different to that of the thousands of other shildren born into a solid North Easters, working class setting. There were financial hardships and tough lessons to be learnt on the streets of post war Middlesbrough.
His childhood experiences and recollections have created in him a mixed bag of emotions. He remembers with affection and fondness the strong feeling of community, the warmth of togetherness that comes from sharing hard times and struggle. He remembers the quick street humour that both then and now is so much part of everyday life in Middlesbrough as well as the pain of isolation and loneliness, the fear and darkness that at times would swamp his world.
Mackenzie Thorpe was the first Western artist to be invited by the Dalai Lama to translate the Buddhist philosophy into a series of paintings and sculptures for the Kalachakra event held in Graz, Austria in October 2002.
Mackenzie Thorpe's Art is amongst the most sought after in the UK today. His reputation as an artist continues to grow worldwide on an unprecedented scale. He is an ordinary individual, who has, through his art, the extraordinary ability to convey emotions and messages that speak a universal language.
Notable collectors are: Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, Professional Golfer David Duval, Britishpolitician William Hague, and Director/Producer Cameron Mackintosh. Special Commissions include: Elton John Aids Foundation, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne's Foundation, British Dyslexia Foundation, and the British Conservative Party, among numerous others.
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