b. 1990, UK / MA Art & Science, Central Saint Martins, London. (CV at the bottom of the page)

Marcus Dove is an artist known for using pyrotechnics (materials capable of undergoing exothermic reactions such as gunpowder and smoke grenades) to create works that explore the tension between destruction and creation. His path into art was shaped by a defiant spirit that once brought him face-to-face with the UK court system. Offered the choice between imprisonment or pursuing an education in art, he opted to study — channeling his rebellious energy into a raw, boundary-pushing creative practice.

Early in his career, Dove’s work was largely figurative, often exploring the human form through intense colour and emotion. Over time, his style evolved into abstraction, driven by a fascination with with chaos, protest, and transformation. 

Dove received his college diploma in Art & Design followed by the completion of a Bachelor of Fine Arts at De Montfort University, 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.

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 the photography of abandoned places filled only with the remnants of an exothermic reaction. At the core of his process lies a profound reliance on media such as gunpowder, smoke grenades, and other explosive materials. 

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. World of FAD magazine ranked it among the top five exhibitions to see in London in 2019.

Video by Grisha Nikolsky, 2020.

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 maintains a continuing relationship with Arts Council England as a supported artist, alongside ongoing sponsorship from leading pyrotechnics company Enola Gaye. In addition to his artistic pursuits, the artist 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.

Education:

  • MA Art & Science. University of the Arts, London. Central Saint Martins.

  • Post Graduate Degree, Creative Business & Innovation. DMU.

  • Bachelor's Degree,  Fine Art. De Montfort University.

Selected Solo Exhibitions:

  • 2024 ‘Abstract Entropy’, 12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London.

  • 2022 ‘Raw Language’, Karnik Gallery, Mayfair, London.

  • 2021’ I Lied About You & Me’, LCB Depot, Leicester.

  • 2020 ‘Fading Figures’, Justin Cook Art, Battersea, London.

  • 2019 ‘Somewhere Between Order & Chaos’, StudionAme, Leicester.

Selected Group Exhibitions & Fairs:

  • 2023 ‘Where Do I Begin’ Secteur Prive, Marleybone, London.

  • 2021 ‘Dual Acres’, Karnik Gallery, Mayfair, London.

  • 2020 ‘Isolation Mastered’, JD Malat Gallery, Mayfair, London.

  • 2019 Asian Contemporary Art Show, Hong Kong.

  • 2017 START Art Fair, Saatchi Gallery, London.

Awards:

  • Arts Council England, National Project Grants.