Jock creates large scale collages using his own original photographs in both lurid colour and black and white – partly inspired by his experience working on the ‘Here Comes the Sun’ music video for The Beatles in 2019. Jock co-directed the film with friend and long time collaborator Alasdair Brotherston. In addition to directing, Jock designed the photographic ‘sun’ that features in it, made with the invaluable assistance of the team at Arch Model studio in London. The vast project was then used as part of the set in a film shoot, directed by the duo at Abbey Road studios one long hot summer. The video was produced by the late, great Maria Manton, with the team at Trunk Animation. It has since amassed nearly 150 million views on YouTube.
Thinking back, the experience of not only directing, but also laying out some incredibly rare (in some cases unseen) images of The Beatles, was a challenge, but Jock took to it with gusto.
Looking back he says;
“One thing that collage work teaches you – unlike other mediums perhaps – is to not be too precious with materials and imagery. You are in a universe where the rulebook is out of the window more than ever, even if you are constructing worlds and forms based on natural imagery. The key is the photographic element, there is a chance to abstract certain things, to encourage a play on juxtaposition, to find a balance of chaos and harmony. With an act such as The Beatles you clearly have to respect that legacy, but you still need to take some risks, only then can you create something truly unique.”
Jock’s recent collages may not quite be of the giant scale from The Beatles one, but the level of detail, playfulness, beauty and subversion remains. Many are created using Jock’s photographs of the North Shields’ area (his home since moving from London during the pandemic). Of his new coastal base Jock says;
“I’ve been getting to know the area I live in with a camera in hand. There’s always something new that you haven’t seen before, even on your doorstep!”
Those familiar with North Shields will recognise some of the town’s iconic architecture, as well as some joyfully garish takes on Northumberland Park. Jock hopes to also explore the Fish Quay in further works. You can see more of Jock’s various projects – from illustration, sculpture, drawing and collage at his Instagram: @jockmooney
