Mark Titchner: Total Fears

Internationally acclaimed TURNER PRIZE nominated artist MARK TITCHNER unveils new HEAVY METAL inspired artworks in his SOLO EXHIBITION at DARK EARTH in Merseyside

In partnership with Dark Earth and Record Store Day UK, Mark Titchner unveils an exhibition of video/sound and text-based artworks that reflect his lifelong passion for heavy metal. Inspired by the likes of bands such as Napalm Death and Extreme Noise Terror, these works explore the dehumanising effects of consumerism and global capitalism. Just like extreme music, Mark’s art offers the possibility of a cathartic experience.

Drawing inspiration from Marcel Duchamp to Black Sabbath and from surveillance systems to black metal, his artworks engage with a range of complex cultural, social, and political meanings. They invite us into an oblique dialogue that unfolds within an intense and often unsettling atmosphere. By harnessing the power of overlapping systemic languages, Mark’s work frequently provokes questions about desire – both individual and collective.

Dark Earth founder and gallery curator, Jim Brady comments –

“We are honoured to be hosting Mark’s new solo show. For us, it is particularly exciting because we are showing some of his new drawings and video pieces for the first time in public. It’s not often that heavy metal culture occupies such a sophisticated position in the sphere of contemporary art, albeit in a brilliantly oblique way. This exhibition gives us and Mark a rare opportunity to engage with heavy metal and contemporary art audiences simultaneously. It is therefore fitting that we have chosen Record Store Day to launch the TOTAL FEARS exhibition.”

Artist, Mark Titchner comments –

“I’m thrilled to present this new exhibition at Dark Earth, especially as it includes a number of new works being shown for the very first time. Metal and extreme music have been a major influence on me since I first began making art – not just visually and sonically, but also in its ability and willingness to tackle subject matter ranging from the political to the fantastical. Nothing is off-limits.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mark Titchner’s (b. 1973, Luton, UK) work involves an exploration of the tensions between the different belief systems that inform our society, be they religious, scientific or political. Focusing on an exploration of words and language, in recent years much of his production has been based in the public realm both in the UK and internationally. These public works have often been created from extended group activities, working particularly with young people and in mental health settings.

He was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2006, participated in the Venice Biennale in 2007, and was Artist in Residence at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto in 2012. In 2018 he completed a major new permanent public work, Me, Here Now which is installed at London Bridge Station. His work is held numerous Public Collections including Arts Council, Tate, British Council, Government Art Collection, South London Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and Guildhall Art Gallery.

Solo exhibitions include It’s the hope that keeps us here, OOF Gallery, London (2022), Some questions about us, Firstsite, Colchester (2019); Mark Titchner, CGP/Dilston Grove, London (2014); Please Believe These Days Will Pass, The Young gallery at The Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada (2012); Be true to your oblivion, New Art Gallery, Walsall (2011); The Age of Happiness, Hellenic American Union, Athens (2009), and Run Black River, Run, BALTIC, Gateshead, (2008). He lives and works in London.

“Working across a number of media including digital print, wall drawing, video, sculpture and installation, Mark Titchner’s practice explores systems of belief, both secular and spiritual, often focusing on the marginalised, discredited or forgotten ideologies and objects we place our faith in.

Using the impersonal language of the public realm, ranging from the quasi-mysticism of corporate mission statements to the maxims of revolutionary socialism, his work exhorts us to believe in it. Motifs taken from advertising, religious iconography, club flyers, trade union banners, prog rock and political propaganda all vie for our attention.

The common denominator of this quest for idealism is a quest for enlightenment; a desire for some form of transcendence; and yet, abstracted from its original context, the message appears drained of meaning. We know that we are being asked to respond but the purpose is unclear, leaving us only with the formal means of exhortation and our own desire for meaning.”

Founded in spring 2022, Dark Earth is a heavy metal cultural space across two floors. Located in Wallasey, just across the river from the port city of Liverpool. It comprises a shop selling records and books, plus a dedicated gallery space. It’s unique identity makes it the only place of its kind in Europe (and perhaps even the world). Dark Earth celebrates the diversity of extreme, heavy music and it’s aesthetics. It has an annual programme of live music, literature and art events.

The exhibition MARK TITCHNER: TOTAL FEARS runs from 12th April through to 20^th September 2025 at Dark Earth (16 Seaview Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, CH45 4LA).