The Distil Ennui Studio ® was formed in 1990 by English artist Alexander James Hamilton; The studio has re-located over 20 times during this time to regions ranging from the Asia Pacific, the Americas, Caribbean, Indian Ocean Rim, Europe, Russia and Siberia; each time creating new bodies of work to be exhibited in iconic spaces & galleries around the world that are infused with these surroundings. These artworks are created underwater using analogue cameras presented 'as shot' without the use of post production. Distil Ennui ® definition... 'to extract the essence and beauty of life to appease world weariness.' ______________________________________________________ excerpt from a letter from Andrei Tolstoy dated 14th July 2014. ‘ The consistency of his artistic vision is one of the most remarkable things about Alexander James. Having discovered his voice in the late eighties, he has devoted himself to articulating it with the lifelong self-discipline of a medieval monk. In our publicity chasing era, such conviction commands respect. He is an oak tree in the landscape of contemporary art, not some lesser rooted bowing wherever the wind of public opinion takes it.’ Andrei Tolstoy (née. Leo) 1956-2016. Russian Academic, Professor Of Arts & President AICA Russia. ______________________________________________________ --- Transcript from Russian Television Interview. March 2014 --- ' Technique is really a side issue, though complex you have to ask yourself why have I dedicated a lifetime doing this. The photography element of my work now seems to be purely a documentary act to capture these interventions, the photograph being a way to fix and extend the works. Like the peeling of an onion, this process still has layer upon layer of yet to be discovered possibilities.' 'Personally I believe this is to preserve a memory before it fades; to frame its tragic baroque beauty in as pure a form as I can possibly endure.' Alexander James.
