Michael Gustavius Payne (born 1969) is a Welsh figurative painter. He paints primarily in oils and is influenced by mythological themes within a contemporary context.[1][2] During his early exhibiting career he was known as Michael Payne, before he began using his full name. Since late 2012 he has dropped his first name and now uses the shorter Gustavius Payne.[3][4]
Recent work has drawn reference to Welsh culture, globalisation and exploitation. His 2011 joint exhibition with poet Mike Jenkins used a common political theme, with the traditional coal miners' canary as a symbol of exploitation of the 'little guy', as well as the exploitation of nature.[8] Similar ecological and socialist themes can also be seen in more recent exhibitions[9] together with his painting "Our Very Own Eco-System" held in the University of South Wales collection,[10] and his cover illustration for Red Poets #19 magazine.[11]
In 2018 he provided the cover art for the singles "Can A Song Save Your Life", "Sugar", "Rabbit Hole" and "(W.A.L.L.S.) Within A Little Love Song",[15] following in 2020 by providing the entire album art (a total of 21 paintings) for the album Working To Design[16] by Welshsinger-songwriter Anthony Price[17] (under musical pseudonym name "dunkie").[18]
In 2021 Payne also provided further cover art for the "dunkie" project for their 5-track EP entitled "The Vanishing and Other Stories".
Notable exhibitions
2013, The Cause and Effect Hypothesis, Art Central, Barry, Wales.[9]
Payne has also co-edited and written forewords for three Merthyr Tydfil anthologies,[citation needed]All Roads Lead To Merthyr, Never Mind The White Socks Here's Merthyr Tydfil and Merthyr Writing.
References
^Peter Wakelin, Focus on Wales, Art Review, pp. 57 – 58 (April 1997)
^Jones, Hanna (2000) Religions & Myths Inspire Collection, Western Mail, p. 10. (16.10.00)
