Only the First Step is Difficult

Mark Titchner (1973 - )

Unique archival inkjet print on Diabond (aluminium and acrylic sheet)

2005

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© Mark Titchner. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2022.

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  • About the work
    Location
    Country: USA
    City: Washington DC
    Place: British Embassy

    Magpie-like, Mark Titchner’s work, Only the First Step is Difficult, borrows text from poetry, philosophy and popular culture. The title derives from a quote by the French literary hostess, Marie du Deffand (1697–1780): ‘The distance doesn’t matter; it is only the first step that is most difficult’. She referenced St Denis, the first Bishop of Paris martyred in the 3rd century who allegedly carried his own severed head for six miles after his execution.


    Pairing carefully chosen titles with his works, Titchner observes how words and phrases are ‘a way of getting the viewer literally to read the work, so an active conceptual process immediately begins between the viewer and the work.’


    He is drawn to historical and cultural references that have infiltrated mainstream culture and media, from obscure avant-garde philosophies to pop culture. Divorced from their original context, meanings of once complex thoughts or ideas are transformed into catchphrases and clichés, becoming more ambiguous. Titchner is interested in the way that words express the mundanity of everyday life, and the universal challenges of birth, life and death. His work questions the myriad of collective identities that are thrust upon people, and the often unattainable aspirations or desires. 


    Titchner’s graphic works are stylistically influenced by varied sources including graffiti art and traditional church and trade unionist banners. Many of his early paintings were based on memories of the colourful 1970s wallpaper designs in his parents’ home. The patterns reminded him of the ‘Op Art’ style of Bridget Riley’s and Victor Vasarely’s 1960s works, and also work by earlier 20th-century artists including the Russian avant-garde artist Kasimir Malevich. 

  • About the artist
    Mark Titchner was born in Luton, Bedfordshire. He studied at the Hertfordshire College of Art and Design (1991–92) and at Central St Martins College, London (1992– 95). Titchner was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2006 and exhibited work at the Venice Biennale in 2007. Focusing on an exploration of words and language, in recent years much of his production has been based in the public realm both in the UK and internationally. These public works are often created from extended group activities or collaborations. His work is held in the permanent collections of The Arts Council, British Council, South London Gallery, and Tate.
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    Materials & Techniques
    aluminium, inkjet print
  • Details
    Title
    Only the First Step is Difficult
    Edition
    unique
    Date
    2005
    Medium
    Unique archival inkjet print on Diabond (aluminium and acrylic sheet)
    Dimensions
    height: 150.00 cm, width: 100.00 cm
    Acquisition
    Purchased from Vilma Gold, June 2005
    Inscription
    verso, tl: Mark Titchner / "Only the first / step is difficult". / 2005
    Provenance
    Vilma Gold, London
    GAC number
    18023