Terrence Higgins Trust, The Timed Auction 2021

Mark Wardel AKA TradeMark is a contemporary artist who as well as exhibiting his own painting and fine art, applies his technique to producing artwork/imagery for high profile clients in the entertainment, music and club industries. Clients and collectors include David Bowie/Isolar New York City, Defected Records, V&A museum, Daphne Guinness London, Soho House, Ministry Of Sound, Marc Almond, Kylie Minogue, Absolute Vodka and Boy George. Mark Wardel/TradeMark lives and works in London

Wardel started this portrait of Simon Dunn a year ago as a piece for a prospected Tom Of Finland tribute exhibition, which ultimately didn’t happen. Dunn was the first openly gay male to represent any country in the sport of bobsled, has been consistently vocal about the importance of inclusivity in sport and was shortlisted for the Australian LGBTI Awards Sports Personality of the Year in both 2018 and 2019.

Wardel says: "I decided to paint Simon  as he has an iconic look and embodies a contemporary take on  the qualities of the athletic, masculine gay ideal as depicted in the art of Tom Of Finland and in the tradition of vintage male physique art."
 

This lot is kindly donated by Mark Wardel/TradeMark. 
www.trademarkart.com
@mark_wardel