The artist

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Pete Codling is an award-winning British artist specializing in contemporary figurative drawing and sculpture. With over three decades of experience, his work explores historical narratives, socio-political themes, and personal storytelling. His large-scale public artworks and intricate drawings push the boundaries of scale and impact, solidifying his reputation as a leading contemporary artist.

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Early Life and Education

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Born in Zambia in 1969 and raised in the UK by Anglo-Irish parents, Codling’s artistic journey has taken him across Cornwall, Scotland, and London before settling in Portsmouth. He studied at Portsmouth College of Art & Design, East London Polytechnic, and Wimbledon School of Art, later completing his Master’s Degree at the University of Portsmouth. His education laid the foundation for his multidisciplinary approach, blending sculpture, drawing, and site-specific art.

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Artistic Practice and Major Works

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Codling’s career spans a diverse range of materials and scales, from miniature studies to monumental installations. His acclaimed charcoal work, CROWD, a 170sqm drawing on a reclaimed canvas sail, was created during his residency at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Featuring 900 portraits and chronicling 2,000 years of history, this piece embodies themes of migration, war, and identity, demonstrating his commitment to storytelling through art.

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Another significant work, Kinship, developed in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery and Southampton City Gallery, has earned international recognition. Exhibited in London, Paris, and Venice, this contemporary maritime Guernica engages in a visual dialogue with Picasso’s legacy, reflecting on themes of human displacement and resilience.

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Public Art and Cultural Impact

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Beyond the gallery, Codling’s large-scale public art commissions have transformed urban landscapes across the UK. Funded by government bodies and regeneration projects, his site-specific works foster community engagement, cultural identity, and social commentary. His goal is to create art that not only resonates aesthetically but also holds historical and cultural significance.

Future Directions

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As Codling continues to explore the monumental in his art, he is transitioning his drawings into three-dimensional form, further merging sculpture with narrative-driven visual art. His work remains deeply connected to themes of history, faith, politics, and the evolving digital world, encapsulated in his ethos: “Be more dust, less data.”

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Connect with Pete Codling

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Discover more about Pete Codling’s work at www.petecodling.com or follow him on social media for exclusive insights into his creative process:

• Instagram: @petecodling

• TikTok: @petecodling01

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​PRESS

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For press inquiries or collaborations, please contact via email:: info@petecodling.com

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Here is a current PDF press release for immediate release March 2025 

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For inquiries please Include the following information':

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Media Contact: [Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Organization]

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Pete Codling extended background info for Journalism, curators or student research, essays etc is also available as a Wiki style PDF on request. 

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