MARK TITCHNER: TOTAL FEARS
12th April – 20th September 2025
For this exclusive Dark Earth exhibition, Turner Prize nominated artist Mark Titchner (b. 1973, Luton) presents a series of video/sound and text-based artworks that reflect his lifelong passion for heavy metal. Inspired by bands such as Napalm Death and Extreme Noise Terror, these works explore the dehumanising effects of consumerism and global capitalism. Just like extreme music, Mark’s art offers the possibility of a cathartic experience.
Drawing inspiration from Marcel Duchamp to Black Sabbath and from surveillance systems to black metal, his artworks engage with a range of complex cultural, social, and political meanings. They invite us into an oblique dialogue that unfolds within an intense and often unsettling atmosphere. By harnessing the power of overlapping systemic languages, Mark’s work frequently provokes questions about desire – both individual and collective.
Mark’s work involves an exploration of the tensions between the different belief systems that inform our society, be they religious, scientific or political. Focusing on an exploration of words and language, in recent years much of his production has been based in the public realm in the UK and internationally.
“I’m thrilled to present this new exhibition at Dark Earth, especially as it includes a number of new works being shown for the very first time. Metal and extreme music have been a major influence on me since I first began making art – not just visually and sonically, but also in its ability and willingness to tackle subject matter ranging from the political to the fantastical. Nothing is off-limits.” – Mark Titchner
