BLEUR Workshop series: [RAW] // Artist: Mark Strepan

Come and experience abstract art as the most powerful outlet in this fast-paced and dynamic workshop. This workshop is designed to empower participants to use the canvas as a way to physically express their own emotions and break free from mental barriers. Participants will be encouraged to move around and experiment with different tools and medium to ‘work’ the canvas in a fun and judgement-free environment.

This event is part of the Bleur [INSERT FEELING HERE] campaign, an artist reflection on chasing our own emotions, the highs and the lows and making space for everything in between.

Price includes all materials needed for the workshop and a £10 canvas, refreshments and delicious snacks to fuel your creativity. Workshop participants will receive a 10% voucher from our partners Jackson’s Art Supplies and a free totes bag.

As with all creative experimentations, things can get a bit messy so make sure you wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on. Open to anyone, no previous experience required. Over 18s only.

About the artist

Mark Strepan is an abstract painter whose raw and visceral depiction of human survival brings into the open the creation process as a struggle between the physical act of creating and the canvas. From an early age, Mark was drawn to painting as an outlet to express himself. Invoking Francis Bacon and his exploration of the human condition as a major influence on his practice, the raw texture in Mark’s paintings bears witness to the canvas becoming the physical expression of his own emotions. Central to Mark’s practice is the intention to break free from social expectations and let go of the obsessive idea of perfection. Layers after layers, he breaks down the barriers within himself and delves deeper into the subconscious to find freedom in its abstract expression. Hidden memories and nostalgia are released to the surface in his search for a purpose in life. Through the physical layers, conflicted feelings of sadness, pain and anger are being processed to make space for what comes next.

How to find us

We are tucked away in the Old Biscuit Factory, a historical site which was once the heart of Bermondsey.

The entrance to the Biscuit Factory is at the junction between Webster Road and Clements Road. Search for the sadly permanently closed Shortwave cafe on Google maps, the entrance to our building is the opposite side of the parking lot. Go through the gated entrance as if you were local and look for the white double doors with a staircase at the end of the parking lot. Keep going up the stairs until the very last floor (those stairs never get easier). You will find Bleur Studios at the end of the corridor, Room 308.

We are very sorry but there is no accessible access to Bleur Studios at present. If you would like to attend, please get in touch with us.

We may capture some pictures and video of art in the making during the workshop. By registering to the workshop, you confirm that you are happy for us to use this content for our distribution channels.