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David Mach RA b. 1956
Born in Scotland David Mach graduated from
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in 1979
and the Royal College of Arts, London, in
1982. Mach was nominated for the Turner Prize,
Tate Gallery London in 1988. He became a
Royal Academician in 1998 and was appointed
Professor of Inspiration and Discovery at
Dundee University and elected to the board of
the National Gallery in 2011.
One of the most prolific artists of his generation,
Mach has exhibited his work worldwide. Mach is
known for his dynamic and large-scale collages,
sculpture and installations using a wide range
of materials including coat hangers, matches,
newspapers and many other recognisable and
familiar objects to create his work.
These works were included alongside other
collages in the book Precious Light to celebrate
the 400th anniversary of the King James
Bible. He says that the bible is a rich source
of inspiration, it has war, famine, sex, death,
jealousy and revenge. Quoting from the artist's
foreword in the book, he says, "All of my collages
are 'action-packed'. They appear like eye-witness
accounts: the snapshots of photojournalists. They're
like television footage or video – DVD paused –
trapped at a moment in time. Press play and the
action will continue. They are becoming like their
source material: more visuals, more information for
you to digest."
Collage on board
Each piece 172cm diameter, framed
Courtesy of the artist
www.davidmach.com
In Mach's Heaven series, how do the pictures compare with
your own image of heaven, do you find them surprising and if so why?
Where might God be in these images of heaven?
1. Heaven – Athens Spring
2. Heaven – Istanbul Summer
3. Heaven – Pittsburgh Autumn
4. Heaven – Havana Winter
