Sussex duo Dan & Serg explore identity, performance and portraiture

Sussex-based artistic duo Dan & Serg explore identity, performance and portraiture through a new painting and photography exhibition in Brighton.

It runs from September 11-24 at Atelier by the Sea, Brighton.

Spokesman Jan Pamir said: “This September, Sussex-based artistic duo Dan & Serg present Personae, a new collaborative exhibition bringing together a collection of figurative paintings and photography. Personae takes its name from the Latin plural of persona – the theatrical mask through which an actor's voice was said to per sonare, or sound through. Over time, the word came to represent the identities we present to the world.

“This exhibition brings together a cast of individuals, each revealing something of themselves while inviting us to look beyond the surface. These intimate portraits explore transformation, identity and the theatre of everyday life.

“Serg, the photographer, observes and captures moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed, while Dan, the artist, transforms those observations into paintings that blur the boundary between reality and imagination through atmosphere and painterly interpretation.

“Through two distinct artistic practices, they ultimately arrive at the same place: a deep fascination with people. The body of work celebrates individuals from all walks of life, elevating ordinary encounters into extraordinary works of art. Each portrait reveals a unique story, identity and presence.

“Subjects range from tattooed bikers and strongmen, drag queens and other members of Brighton's LGBTQ+ community along with people encountered throughout the artists' lives. Some portraits are deeply personal, others quietly voyeuristic.

“One of the exhibition's centrepieces is a new painted portrait of Rob Makin, best known from Channel 4's Handcuffed. Displayed alongside the painting will be a selection of Serg's photographs from the sitting, offering visitors a rare insight into how a photographic session can become the starting point for a painted work.

“The accompanying photographic series includes intimate full-length nude portraits exploring vulnerability, trust and body confidence through fine art photography.

“Rob Makin and fellow Handcuffed cast member Charlie Gray will both attend the Private View on Thursday, September 10, alongside Dan and Serg.

“Alongside original paintings, visitors will also find Serg's portraiture and street photography, including images captured during Brighton Pride, together with a selection of limited edition prints and photographs available across a range of price points, making the exhibition accessible to both first-time buyers and established collectors. Together, the works invite us to consider the many identities we present to the world and the stories that sound through them.”

Dan Flores is a multidisciplinary artist whose figurative paintings explore identity, performance and transformation. Drawing on a career spanning hair, make-up, styling and set design, his work combines painterly observation with theatricality, symbolism and atmosphere.

Sergio Rodriguez is a photographer whose practice centres on portraiture and street photography. Working predominantly in black and white, he captures honest moments of connection, individuality and humanity, finding beauty in the everyday and celebrating the uniqueness of every subject.