‘The 1974 Yearbook of Science and the Future: Chapter 6 – Waste [draft]’ is the rather long-winded title of the latest exhibition by British illustrator and artist Maxwell Paternoster. It includes a series of original illustrations, created especially for Gallery Seven in Covent Garden, which explore the complex relationship between humans and technology. Paternoster is particularly interested in addressing the issue of the waste generated by mass production of electric and electronic items, by visualising post apocalyptic cityscapes constructing waste material discarded from production.
The intricate dystopian visualisations created for this exhibition are hand drawn in an innocent yet incisive style. Far for being depressing, the work has a fun element to it, which brings to mind the world of sci-fi comics.Paternoster’s influences and inspiration come, of course, from computer technology, graffiti, urban art, and the Kustom Kulture: the unique automobile subculture of art, fashion, vehicles and hairstyles originating in 1950’s.
Paternoster completed a National Diploma in Art & Design and has a BA Honors in Illustration and Animation at University of Westminster. Following his education, he started to work in fashion, creating designs for urban t-shirt and clothing companies and customising shoes and bags. His editorial illustrations have appeared internationally in magazines that focus on street-art, fashion, art, and science. He has also worked on branding and store interiors.
The spaces of Gallery Seven complement Paternoster’s work and his background as in fashion and retail, being located in the basement of the Covent Garden t-shirt shop SuperSuperficial.
Paternoster’s work will be on show at Gallery Seven until the first week of August
