Deciphering the Collective Psyche Through Collage.
Motivated by the belief that collective anxieties seep deep into our subconscious minds, shaping our perceptions and behaviours, I attempt to visualise the subconscious mind. Through collage, I translate anxieties, and unspoken fears that permeate throughout the delicate social fabric of society into vehement artworks. Whether it manifests as fractured portraits, unsettling juxtapositions, or dystopian landscapes, my artwork aims to challenge societal perceptions and invite reflection on the deeper forces shaping our collective experience.
In pursuit of self-actualisation, the artist transcends the role of a mere artisan, embracing their vocation.
Just as alchemists sought to transform base metals into gold, the artist wields recycled imagery from magazines—not as inert materials, but as vital ingredients for a psychodynamic elixir. This process involves exploring Jungian concepts of the human psyche and mining the collective unconscious for symbols and narratives that resonate with the universal human experience.
Gilbert & George
In 2012, Cartrain created a series of collage artworks featuring the artists Gilbert and George. These works were then glued to walls and  infrastructure throughout the Brick Lane area of East London. Gilbert and George subsequently appropriated these works, photographing their natural deterioration. The resulting images were presented as their original artwork, 'Double Doors,' at their 2013 White Cube exhibition 'Scapegoating Pictures.'
Collage Portraits of Gilbert and George Created by Cartrain
'Double Doors' By Gilbert and George featuring collage artworks created by Cartrain
Damien Hirst
In 2008, Cartrain created a series of collage works incorporating imagery from Damien Hirst's artwork 'For the Love of God'. Mr. Hirst subsequently initiated legal proceedings on grounds of copyright infringement, resulting in a protracted dispute. As an act of counter-protest, Cartrain removed a collection of pencils from Mr. Hirst's 'Pharmacy' installation at the Tate Britain, citing the earlier confiscation of my work by Mr. Hirst's legal representatives."
The Red Rag to a Bull artist collective, including Jamie Reid (Sex Pistols artwork), James Cauty (formerly of the KLF), and Billy Childish (ex-boyfriend of Tracey Emin), came to the defense of Cartrain after he faced legal action from Damien Hirst over copyright infringement.
The collective launched a campaign selling limited edition works parodying Hirst's art and challenging copyright laws. Proceeds went to Cartrain to recoup legal costs. They framed the initiative as a satirical exercise against restrictive copyright practices, and invited Hirst to appropriate their work in turn.
Artist James Cauty, created and sold exact replicas of Cartrain's original collage, the very artwork that had prompted Damien Hirst to pursue legal action.
'For the Love of God' by Cartrain
'Copyright and Intellectual property law' by James Cauty
Writing in the Guardian Johnathan Jones said: "Cartrain has done the same as all great caricaturists down the ages: created a vicious but insidiously memorable image of his target."
Subsequently, all legal proceedings against Cartrain were dropped. This could suggest a shift in perspective on Hirst's part, perhaps a recognition of the artwork's fair use status or a reluctance to stifle artistic expression through legal means.
In 2024, The decade long rivalry took an unexpected turn when Damien Hirst shared a video on Instagram, featuring himslef standing alongside a portrait collage of Gilbert and George created by Cartrain that had been installed onto a building at Seven Stars Yard off Brick Lane.
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