Gateshead Revisited

Gateshead Revisited is a fictitious title based on the artist’s homeland, whilst at the same time referencing the 20th century Charles Ryder novel by Waugh, demonstrating a sophisticated self-conscious cultural, literary and artistic awareness. It dominates the composition, but despite its obvious connotations, its simplicity leaves room for the viewer to make their own interpretations.

The faded cover, torn edges and stained, smudged pages nostalgically recall a lifetime history of love and use, that visually references our intimate, long-standing relationship with text and language, a visceral, physical connection between person and page that passes through the generations. The American painter Ed Ruscha is a clear influence for Miller, marrying text and image in a radical juxtaposition using slogans and phrases to compliment his paintings. Mark Rothko, too, is another such acknowledged source of inspiration for the British artist, whose work demonstrates the use of a palette of similar bands of colour such as the orange, red and white seen in Gateshead Revisited.