About Beyond Lies More

‘Beyond Lies More’ is the title of a picture created by Graham Finch and painted by three artists,​ Nicholas J Smith, an amazing portrait and figurative artist www.nicholasjsmith.com, Dave Moli (Boogie) a Freestyle artist and former professional footballer www.boogiemoli.com and James Blinkhorn, a time-served artist who also owns the gallery, Vermillion, which is based in Knutsford – coalition art by ICE.

However, the picture is not really about the creator or the artists, it’s about the subject matter and its global message; who painted it is a secondary consideration, albeit Nicholas and James are white men and Boogie is black – a seamless fusion of talent. Three artists collaborating and surely this is how life should be; we are all from one single race, the human race!

The original painting itself measures 1.7m squared and presents an imposing piece of artwork with limited edition prints in 3 sizes are also available. ‘Beyond Lies More’ captures the current uprising and awareness of anti-racism, equality and inclusion movements around the world, perhaps most highlighted by the Black Lives Matter campaign which has gained worldwide traction. But will it really change anything, are we at the tipping point to a better and more equal world?

The background to the picture is a collage of colour and emotion, Boogie has himself been subjected to racism and this ‘singling out’ because of his skin colour still exists today.

Gently embedded in the freestyle background are six great sayings from the six icons depicted in the picture. They are quiet and subdued, they do not dominate the picture, but they are there and captured forever; six poignant sayings, not scripted in advance but coming from the heart, from passion and emotion and a desire to make a real lasting difference.

In sharp contrast to the freestyle background is the pin-sharp portraits of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King, Lewis Hamilton, Michelle Obama and Marcus Rashford.

Three giants from the 1960’s in the fight against racism are set alongside the new flag bearers, Lewis, Marcus and Michelle. Of course, many others could certainly earn a place within the picture, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Doreen Lawrence, and Gandhi, to name just a few.

People may ask “How did you create the image so seamlessly, as if all six posed for the picture?” This is one part of the picture’s magic and appeal and is in no small measure down to the talent of the artists. James Blinkhorn added the final sprinkle of magic, look closely at the tracksuit top of Marcus and you will see Picasso’s dove now generally accepted as the world symbol of peace.

We hope that Beyond Lies More will capture your imagination and continue to raise worldwide awareness, thereby helping, in some small way, to put an end once and for all to racism and other prejudices.

Whatever efforts the world’s key influencers make it needs the will and understanding of us all to make the changes that are needed, Beyond Lies More, so let’s look forward to and celebrate this sea change as we move to a better world!

You can read more in the catalogue below.

Prints & Clothing