Adam Norton: Statement

Badges & Signs

Badges, signs, posters and other written ephemera have always interested me. They are often today’s important headline and then tomorrow’s rubbish. Sometimes a seemingly aesthetic-free traffic direction, or a passing obsession. Often professionally produced, but more often than not made by ordinary folk to sell a car, promote an event or warn about a dog. I love the range of understanding that can be gleaned from such limited information.

These two works, WIN and NOVA, come from branches of those traditions, WIN being a giant version of some kind of political slogan, but without a person or subject attached it becomes a disembodied call to succeed. In politics, in sport or whatever. It is a giant, red, enthusiastic shout-out to the world.

Nova means ‘new star,’ a possible transient astronomical event. Firstly it is a playful piece of graphic design, barely legible, with its text broken down into four geometric shapes of its individual letters. Rich blue on an even richer indigo background. The rounded edges of the painting suggest some kind of retro-futuristic science fiction film. It too is an enthusiastic shout-out, but this time to the stars. 

Adam Norton  

February 2024