LUAP

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LUAP
BornSeptember 1982
NationalityBritish
EducationUniversity for the Creative Arts
Known forThe Pink Bear, Contemporary Art, Street Art, Performance Art
Notable workThe Unconscious Therapy,[1] Art in the Age of Now',[2] Love Life Mural [3]
Websitewww.luapstudios.co.uk

Paul Robinson, better known by his alias of LUAP, (born September 1982 in Grimsby, England) is a Contemporary Artist based in London. He is known for his depiction of The Pink Bear which he uses as a muse within his artworks.[4] His work spans the creative fields of photography, painting, sculpture and performance art.

Pink Bear[edit]

A common feature with his work. He describes the Pink Bear as the reincarnation of an old childhood memory.[5] Accessed as part of a treatment of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The bear acts as "symbol of positive reinforcement and discovery" [6]

LUAP describes the use of the bear as being "a path of personal redemption".[7] Describing its use as a mechanism for his own personal fight with depression. The bears origin has its roots in an old childhood memory of a polaroid photograph showing the artist as a child with a pink bear.[8]

Creative Process[edit]

Photography[edit]

LUAP's art is based on photography. Each shot with the pink bear staged amidst a specific landscape or environment.[9] Paintings are then made from the original photographic source. The bear acting as a muse throughout each of the images.[10] Many of the subjects have a focus on mental health, the environment as well as being a commentary of societal issues.[11]

One of the notable aspects of LUAP's photography is in that they are often taken within extreme conditions. All using the Pink Bear as a muse, he travels the world in order to position the Bear amidst these backdrops.[12]

Painting[edit]

LUAP is known for his large scale canvases made using oils and acrylic. Each painting begins with a focus on background. This itself is a remnant of a childhood memory which references the wallpaper in home where he grew up.[13] Once complete the artwork will be painted on top using a combination of realism and abstract mark making techniques. Each painting will generally take months to complete.[14][15]

Exhibitions[edit]

Under the name of LUAP, Robinson has exhibited across the UK and Internationally. Notable exhibitions include 'The Unconscious Therapy' on New Bond Street;[16] 'Art in the Age of Now' at Fulham Town Hall[17] and 'Unleash the Love' at Fortnum & Mason.[18]

External links[edit]

Official websites:

References[edit]