A Bournemouth urban artist is hoping that his portrait of a ‘wizard’, known for his uncanny time-telling ‘powers’, will win him a top art prize.
‘Soap’, also known as Adam Klodzinski, is entering his portrait of ‘Gordon the tramp’, currently on display at Bournemouth’s Metropolis Artworks gallery, in the National Portrait Gallery’s BP prize.
‘Gordon the tramp’ or ‘Gordon the timelord’ who is not actually homeless is famous in Bournemouth for being able to tell the time, accurate to a couple of minutes, despite never wearing a watch. [wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]
Klodzinski said: “I’m an artist who paints from photos, my friend knows Gordon and when I saw him I thought that it would be a good idea. I think it turned out to be a really great choice.
“If I were to win this prize it would be a great achievement for me. It’s very official and I’ve never done anything like this before.”
The BP Portrait Award showcases the very best in contemporary portrait painting from around the world. Klodzinski will find out if he has made the shortlist in April.
Metropolis Artworks owner Vicki Angus said: “It really does challenge a lot of peoples’ view point on the elderly, especially younger people.
[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]Watch urban artist ‘Soap’ create his photo-realistic portrait of Gordon – ‘The Timelord of Bournemouth’[/wpcol_1half_end]“Adam has got such a following within the youth of the community, they all love him and they love his style of artwork. He has a genuine graffiti background as an artist, which really appeals to the youth.
“For many young people the elderly and the vulnerable might not usually come onto their radar or register in a positive way, they really admire Adam and a painting like this is quite thought provoking.” [wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Gordon is a popular local figure. A Facebook page campaigning to make him Bournemouth’s Olympic torchbearer has over 18,000 members.
He is known to be a sports fan. AFC Bournemouth’s communications executive Max Fitzgerald, said: “He is here most games, he sits in the Steve Fletcher Stand, you can pick him out a mile away.
“He’s a bit of a local celebrity and I think most of the fans like to see him here.”
Gordon has gone on record saying that he would be willing to carry the Olympic torch as long as it isn’t raining.[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]
Watch Gordon’s fame spread as he is featured on ITV’s Meridian Tonight[/wpcol_1half_end]Gordon has not yet seen his portrait, but Klodzinski has said that he will be invited to the official party to launch his competition entry.
