Through Coates' upbringing in Essex he developed a personal perspective on the cultural history and political shifts of suburban East London. With a background in CGI and photography, he often uses his digital expertise in conjunction with traditional painting techniques to craft compelling compositions.
His work delves into the humorous aspects of white culture, revealing a sometimes seedy, comedic underbelly (as did Hogarth's). Drawing inspiration from the notion that misery loves comedy, his paintings capture the interplay between amusement and seriousness. Through his lens, he explores the complexities of white culture, unearthing the funny nuances that may often go unnoticed. His practice is somewhat of a coping mechanism, helping him navigate the more ludicrous aspects of modern life.
“Joke-work transforms unacceptable impulses and emotions into pleasurable ones, by means of replacing obscenity, aggression, cynicism, and deep skepticism with laughter” Maria Christoff and Barry Dauphin, Freud’s Theory of Humor (2017).
My artistic philosophy revolves around a simple yet powerful principle – if it doesn't amuse my sense of humor, it's not worthy of depiction. This discerning approach ensures that each piece is imbued with a genuine and authentic reflection of my perspective. As a result, my art becomes a captivating exploration of the intersection between comedy and the deeper, more serious layers of cultural identity.
