This page is for further supporting content towards the ACE project application ‘From Flame to Form: A Pyrotechnic Journey from China to Canvas’.

We will create an innovative cross-cultural experience by intertwining the process of pyrotechnic art-making with immersive techniques inspired by traditional Chinese culture. Through exhibitions showcasing new, innovative artwork and socially inclusive workshops that blend art, pyrotechnics, and elements such as calligraphy and symbolism, we will foster collaboration and creativity. These workshops will accompany touring exhibitions in the UK and a final exhibit in China, introducing new audiences to unique cultural experiences and engaging content.

Additionally, it is important to point out that this project would contribute towards two outcomes for the ACE Let’s Create strategy, as well as the one that was selected on the application regarding that this project is about the public taking part, it would also fall into developing a professional creative or cultural practice.

More on workshops:

New skills will be developed, such as traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting, through training with the Hutong Calligraphy Class and Sunny Art Centre. These will be incorporated into workshops that will broaden both the audience's and project partners' artistic horizons. The workshops will focus on delivering high-quality, educational experiences by teaching pyrotechnic mark-making combined with Chinese cultural art forms. These techniques are often inaccessible to the wider public due to the lack of practitioners skilled in both pyrotechnic art and traditional Chinese methods. The workshops will give participants a unique opportunity to experience art in a new, dynamic way, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation. Additionally, these workshops will benefit those already engaged in creative fields, offering professional development through exposure to innovative artistic processes. By learning and sharing these skills, this project will lead a new way in cross-cultural and pyrotechnic art, establishing a reputation for producing a professional take in these unique art forms.

Below are preliminary examples of artwork I’ve created via the same method:

Below are 2 images generated by artificial intelligence/ DALL.E.

The first one depicts how I envision the travelling/learning process to be in China. The 2nd one is a vague depiction of participants taking part in the workshops.

Marcus Dove Bio:

Following an encounter with the UK court system at the age of 19, Marcus Dove was offered an alternative to imprisonment — the opportunity to continue pursuing further education. Embracing this opportunity, Dove stayed true to his recalcitrant nature and spent his time developing an artistic style that incorporates pyrotechnics (materials capable of undergoing exothermic reactions) commonly found within the chaos of protest, such as smoke grenades and home-made explosives.

The artist utilises pyrotechnics as a means to explore the concept of 'creation via destruction,' his artistic repertoire embodies a diverse range of expressions, from large-scale works on canvas to photography. At the core of his process lies a profound reliance on media such as gunpowder, smoke grenades, and other explosive materials. 

Dove received his college diploma in Art & Design followed by the completion of a Bachelor of Fine Arts, as well as a postgraduate course in Creative Business & Innovation in 2017, before finalising his education on a Master's degree in Art & Science at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts, London.

Dove's talent was recognised early in his career through an exhibition at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London where he exhibited ‘Two Birds & The Sun’, a piece of work made with a self-manufactured electrical missile launcher and pyrotechnics. This milestone not only opened doors for showcasing his work at the Asia Contemporary Art Fair in Hong Kong but also earned him notable commissions along the way, such as a commemoration to the Baroness Doreen Lawrence, OBE, titled ‘And Still She Rises’.

Dove has garnered significant media attention for his distinctive artistic process, with multiple appearances on BBC News and features in various publications. His intriguing body of work has been presented in numerous solo exhibitions, including ‘Fading Figures’, an exhibition featuring powerful paintings capturing the female form by scorching vibrant colours onto canvas with the aid of smoke grenades. Renowned World of FAD magazine ranked it among the top five exhibitions to see in London in 2019.

Notably, Dove's recent accomplishments include exhibiting in a group show with JD Malat Gallery for the Isolation Mastered exhibition. Additionally, he held 'Raw Language,' a solo exhibition centred around his abstract works, which took place in London's esteemed Mayfair district in partnership with Karnik Gallery in 2022. Furthermore, he presented his latest solo show, 'Abstract Entropy,' at Mayfair's 12 Hay Hill in collaboration with J Nicholls Projects in 2023 and has taken part in various group shows such as ‘Where Do I Begin’ with Secteur Prive, London, 2024.

Dove has also maintained his tradition of collaborating with renowned artists. In August 2022, Dove teamed up with Yinka Shonibare, applying his pyrotechnical methods to create a striking 3D sculpture as part of the World Reimagined project.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Marcus Dove contributes to the educational mission of Pedestrian, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing enriching education, training, and outreach programs for at-risk youth, vulnerable adults, and underserved communities by serving as an arts tutor.