DARREN COOK

Welcome to Common Room Projects. We are an art consultancy and gallery space based in the old Station Master’s House at Welwyn North Station in Hertfordshire.

About The Artist

Born in England in 1969, a first class graduate of the world renowned Central Saint Martins School of art, Daren has spent much of his career working as a creative director for several global branding agencies. He was responsible for, amongst other things, the design of the iconic orange logo, and still works with high-profile clients around the world

His sharp branding instinct and graphic sensibilities are reflected in his simple, bold and occasionally provocative work, which playfully explores the role of artists, collectors and a sometimes sceptical public in the current art market. Branding is about providing answers.

Daren’s art asks questions instead.

We have a selection of Daren’s work available in our gallery space at Welwyn North station. Contact us to book a viewing.

Butt is it art? £610 framed (inc VAT), £300 unframed

Medium: Inkjet print, metallic paint
Frame: White museum standard frame with UV filtered low reflective glazing
A2 594 x 420mm
Edition: 8

Art is subjective. One person’s masterpiece is another’s junk.

This work questions what constitutes a work of art and invites discussion about itself.

The piece may be questioning it’s own worth, or it may be having a cheeky dig at the merit of any art it’s in the company of.

Who is the idiot?, 2021 £610 framed (inc VAT), £250 unframed

Medium: Inkjet print, metallic paint
Frame: White museum standard frame with UV filtered low reflective glazing
A2 594 x 420mm
Edition: 8

In a world increasingly intolerant of opposing views, this work celebrates difference of opinion. Engaging all audiences regardless of perspective.

Is the idiot the artist who defaced the etching of ‘A Nymph Surprised’? The collector who saw beauty and paid a pretty penny for it? Or the one who laughs at both?

The Nymph knows…

FAKE, 2022 £610 framed (inc VAT), £250 unframed

Medium: Inkjet print, metallic paint
Frame: White museum standard frame with UV filtered low reflective glazing
A2 594 x 420mm
Edition: 20

An art dealer recently warned me of the surging market in fake prints. It’s well documented and a good friend of mine has been an unsuspecting victim.

If a work of art owns up to being a fake, does that make it a work of art in it’s
own right?

Art is whatever we decide it is afterall.