Swansea University Art Collection

The Pedigree by David Carpanini

“…I believe that man has a special bond with that part of the earth which nourishes his boyhood…” 

So said David Carpanini, and the particular part of the earth that nourished his own boyhood is – as one glance at his paintings will tell you – industrial South Wales, the valleys and former mining communities, scarred by industrialisation but home for a resolute people that he finds the trigger for his creative imagination. The stark landscape and close knit, often claustrophobic social infrastructure is a fundamental part of his own background and he has attempted to use the natural drama of this location to explore aspects of the human condition such as fear, isolation, loneliness, brutality, dignity, pride and hope. These are concepts with which we can all identify regardless of personal circumstances or background. David's imagery is drawn from his background and experience because it is what he knows best.