Art

Charming Baker: I am honoured to be guest-editing The Big Issue

Celebrated artist Charming Baker explains the idea behind his collector's edition, artist-led Big Issue – on sale from April 3-9

TIPPING POINT

The theme of this Art Special is Tipping Point; the idea that at decisive moments in life, a small event can have a huge influence, positively or negatively, and that we’re all just a moment away from something that might change us and our lives forever. Each artist in this edition has submitted an image on the theme. Either very personal or from a much wider point of view, all the images represent a tipping point that is in some way important to them. I’m certain we all have our own.

REVOLUTION

I’ve always been interested in how we can look at most anything in a different way. I guess I play Devil’s advocate to some degree, switching things around for the sake of it, pulling things apart to see how robust (or fragile) something is.

1250 GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

The idea for my image, Man Falls, came from a painting by Jacques-Louis David of Napoleon Crossing the Alps. I’ve always struggled with this painting (there are actually five versions). I read it as a pompous view of a heroic leader who was very much on the rise. Although an unrealistic scene, it was based on a real event. Napoleon did cross the Alps on his campaign, though he was led on a mule and behind his army. But the portrait wasn’t painted to be realistic, or an accurate likeness, Napoleon refused even to sit for it. This was an image painted to swell the perceived importance of the ‘heroic’ leader. Of course it’s just old-fashioned propaganda.

It was a revolution that caused the destruction of the French aristocracy, which tipped Napoleon’s fairly humble life into such great success, and it was his ultimate belief that he could not fail that helped bring his world crashing down. Such extreme highs and such great falls in one life.

Charming Baker is teaming up with @bigissueuk for the launch of a special art led edition of The Big Issue magazine, ‘Tipping Point’. The magazine will be launched with Big Issue vendors on Monday 3rd April, find one of the 10 golden tickets hidden inside to win a hand-finished Charming Baker or Jonathan Yeo screenprint! @jealous_london will host an exhibition in honour of the launch, featuring the artworks included in the magazine and a brand new Charming Baker limited edition print, entitled ‘Man Falls’, with a portion of the proceeds going to The Big Issue and the important work they do…more coming soon! – Charming Baker Man Falls Archival Inkjet with a 2 Colour Screenprint Overlay on Somerset Satin Enhanced 330gsm Paper 74.4 x 58cm 3 x Cut Edges, 1 x Deckled Edition of 125 £295 – #charmingbaker #jealousgallery #jealouseast #jealousprintstudio #thebigissue #bigissue #thebigissueuk #magazine #magazinelaunch #exhibition #exhibitionlaunch #screenrprint #screenprintlaunch #printlaunch #goldenticket #goldenticketwinner #contemporaryart #limitededitionprint

A post shared by Charming Baker (@charmingbaker) on

I think about how the fortunes of the ‘hero’ in this picture had turned around completely within just a few years. The ‘hero’ we know died imprisoned in exile. So I tried to make a version of David’s painting that reversed the original meaning. My image isn’t a rearing horse with the rider boldly striking a hand into the air. It’s a horse and rider crashing into the ground after falling but revolved 90 degrees.

In life everything is constantly changing for everyone. In this case it’s only a perceived reality, like in the original painting, but this time in favour of the underdog.

THANKS

I felt honoured to be asked to guest edit this special art edition. I did feel the pressure of having to deliver, and the worry of failing. When I agreed to it I didn’t know if I would be able to get people on board. I worried about asking for help, I put off making the calls. When I finally did, I was very quickly reminded of just how much support and goodwill there is towards The Big Issue. The sheer weight of people willing to help, to give and to support, has been overwhelming, which has made this special a true collaboration.

I was very quickly reminded of just how much support and goodwill there is towards The Big Issue

It’s a one-off for me but The Big Issue is trying to get people on board every day. I feel the task ahead for anyone trying to change the way society might function sometimes seems impossible. But if enough people do get on board they might succeed. Maybe that’s all that’s needed; eventually the sheer weight of people, attitudes and all these small actions might eventually be enough to tip the balance. I’m an optimist.

Crucial times for us are just as much about when we’re tipped into success, as when we’re tipped out. Small differences can ultimately make the one big difference. And for me that’s what The Big Issue is about.

A huge thank you to The Big Issue for their tireless work, and to everyone who contributed to this edition, we really couldn’t have done it without you all.

Charming Baker

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
Acclaimed artist My Dog Sighs auctions off iconic painting to 'help those struggling and lost'
Art

Acclaimed artist My Dog Sighs auctions off iconic painting to 'help those struggling and lost'

'The image says it all': The meaning behind Banksy's new London tree mural, revealed
Art

'The image says it all': The meaning behind Banksy's new London tree mural, revealed

Artists pays tribute to Big Issue vendors in thought-provoking project: 'Ordinary moments go unnoticed'
Our Vendors

Artists pays tribute to Big Issue vendors in thought-provoking project: 'Ordinary moments go unnoticed'

Women of Ukraine displaced by war rebuild their lives in striking new portrait exhibition
Ukraine photo exhibition
Photography

Women of Ukraine displaced by war rebuild their lives in striking new portrait exhibition

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know