The infinite yonder - emerging star David OM

Travel with us in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the moon landing, to reflect upon the work of artist David OM. OM's painting practice is concerned entirely with the theme of space. Selected for for Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017, John Moores Painting Prize 14, Lynn Painter-Stainers 15. Pre-selected for; Royal Society of British Artists 15 and BP Portrait Award 15 - his work is well respected in emerging art circles.

David OM's space-scapes communicate a huge sense of scale. Observatories ogle upwards like giant eyeballs and miniature figurines gaze outwards through trompe d'oiel windows - created by the frame that stretches the canvas. Showing us the back of the canvas in this way suggests that the image lies somewhere in the infinite yonder.

There is a sense of dignified Zen-like detachment to much of David OM's work, many of his compositions function through minimalism and juxtaposition clarified through studious and critical practice. At the core of his work oscillates a pure sense of wonder alternating with a cold nihilism. His art often interacts with space science and astronomy whilst incorporating a metaphysical subtext that enables subject matter to assume new (often existential) symbolic meanings.

Astrophysics and figurine art are both subjects that capture the public imagination at present. Brian Cox meets London street artist Slinkachu with these playful reflections on the universe.

Painting Is Infinite (Earthrise 2) by David Om

Original mixed media painting in acrylic on canvas. Incorporating a small figurine on the bottom stretcher bar - the figure is 3D printed and then painted.

Painting Is Infinite (Earthrise 3) by David OM