Chaos And Order Batman by Mark Davies

Way back in 2016 and as part of my ‘Lost in Hollywood’ collection, I created a Batman inspired image ‘KAPOW!’ that was an original only piece. It was a quirky and vibrant take on the period prior to the narrative turning seriously dark. So, there has been plans for an age to produce something that people will link to the darker side of Gotham. I have created some incredibly powerful pieces that focus on the mindset of the Joker, but I wanted to conceive an image that was more driven by Batman.  

Is ‘The Dark Knight’ one of the most influential movies of all time? Quite possibly! The acting by both Christian Bale and Heath Ledger is nothing short of a masterclass. So, the decision was an easy one, this image was to be inspired by Christopher Nolan’s epic movie. However, I was adamant that I didn’t want my image to end up looking like one of the amazing backdrops that ran with the promotion of the film back in 2008. It could have easily happened, what with my love for all things that burn!  

So, even though I set about focused on Batman, the influence of the Joker cannot be overlooked, so he features albeit pulled back and walking away from you, but his impact is catastrophic and claustrophobic. The composition of the piece has been created to depict two opposites, chaos and order, darkness and light, evil and good. A showman versus a silent protector, a dark knight. The choice to show the Joker with back turned was influenced by the recent success of my ‘Storyteller’ piece ‘Fight or Flight’ that also featured a figure with back turned, walking away – it is so much more powerful in my opinion.  

I appreciate that the fan base of this movie especially are true ‘die-hards’ and not only did I want to respect that but I wanted to not risk playing safe. The introduction of the characters is exciting, but the image is strong enough not to rely on them. I love them, it takes the piece to a new height but then look past them and there is so much detail to seek out as well as some obscure references to really test you! You know how big a deal music is to me and the influence it has on my work, having the soundtrack on throughout without a doubt drove me to inject so much more into what you see. However, there are other references that are music related and I won’t spoil it for those who want to try and decipher everything.  

‘Chaos and Order’ is a shining example of how the lines are blurred between my ‘Storyteller’ works and ‘Lost in Hollywood’, it has qualities of both. I guess that is natural because of how my mind works, I am a storyteller, and you know what? I absolutely bloody love it!  It is another example of when you stop, sit back and admire the work that you have created. A moment of calm after the intensity of creating the piece. The weight from the pressure of hope and expectation sits heavily but that is a good thing. It comes from the support of all of you, you drive me on… you complete me ;)