David Mabb

Staff details

Position

Reader in Art and Programme Leader MFA Fine Art (Studio Practice)

Department

Art

Email

d.mabb (@gold.ac.uk)

Links

Instagram
@david_mabb

Academia.edu

David Mabb

David Mabb is an artist who works with appropriated imagery to rethink the political implications of different aesthetic forms in modern art and design history. Recent work has focussed on the designs of 19th Century English interior designer, writer and socialist William Morris. Mabb’s interest in Morris stems from the social and political connotations of Morris’ work, the continued relevancy of Morris’ politics and the continuing market for Morris’ designs. Mabb’s interpretations or reconfigurations of Morris’ designs consider the relationship between Morris’ own work and other forms of cultural production.

Academic qualifications

BA Fine Art Goldsmiths College 1980
MA Fine Art Chelsea School of Art 1981

Teaching and supervision

MFA Fine Art

Publications and research outputs

Show/Exhibition

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” Mabb, David . 2025. “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful”. In: "Morris Mania", William Morris Gallery, United Kingdom, 5 April 2025 - 21 September 2025.
Construct 69, Morris, Daisy / Stepanova, Optical, paint on paper, 70cm x 50cm, 2019. Mabb, David . 2025. Construct 69, Morris, Daisy / Stepanova, Optical, paint on paper, 70cm x 50cm, 2019.. In: "Atemkristall (Breathcrystal)", Blyth Gallery, Imperial College London, United Kingdom, 19 March – 1 May 2025.
Sweet Briar Leaves (from the painting of the same name by David Mabb, 2001, painted by Rajendra Sharma, 2005) Mabb, David . 2024. Sweet Briar Leaves (from the painting of the same name by David Mabb, 2001, painted by Rajendra Sharma, 2005). In: "Extempore 24", Tension Fine Art, London, United Kingdom, 22 February - 2 March 2024.

'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful' Mabb, David . 2023. 'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful'. In: "Sieh einmal die schönen Blumen", Jägerschere gallery for contemporary art, Niederer-Fläming Germany, Germany, 7 May - 11 June 2023.
‘Lietuva’ and ‘The Benetton Shop' from 'Art into Everyday Life’ Mabb, David . 2023. ‘Lietuva’ and ‘The Benetton Shop' from 'Art into Everyday Life’. In: "Outsiders Look at Vilnius", National Gallery of Art, Vilnius, Lithuania, 7 April - 11 June 2023.
Variant 7, William Morris Colouring Book with Untitled Textile Design by Varvara Stepanova. Mabb, David . 2022. Variant 7, William Morris Colouring Book with Untitled Textile Design by Varvara Stepanova.. In: "Patternicity", ASC Gallery, London, United Kingdom, 2022.
David Mabb selects The Internationale in 95 languages compiled by MandalorTeSiit. Mabb, David . 2021. David Mabb selects The Internationale in 95 languages compiled by MandalorTeSiit.. In: "So the Red Rose", Arkadien Festival, Kunstverein, Ebersberg, Germany, 2021.
Three placards: Chernobyl, Ukraine; Ignalina, Lithuania; Astravets, Belarus. Mabb, David . 2020. Three placards: Chernobyl, Ukraine; Ignalina, Lithuania; Astravets, Belarus.. In: "Splitting the Atom", CAC/SMK Centre for Contemporary Art and The Energy & Technology Museum, Lithuania, 18 September – 25 October 2020.
Construct 69, Morris, Daisy / Stepanova, Optical and Construct 70, Morris & Co. (Dearle) Iris / Stepanova, Optical Mabb, David . 2020. Construct 69, Morris, Daisy / Stepanova, Optical and Construct 70, Morris & Co. (Dearle) Iris / Stepanova, Optical. In: "Beyond Other Horizons", Iași Palace of Culture, Romania, 1st - 31st March 2020.
In Search of Chairman Mao: 12 Days in Beijing Mabb, David . 2020. In Search of Chairman Mao: 12 Days in Beijing. In: "The Red Mansion Anniversary Art Prize Exhibition.", Royal Academy of Art, United Kingdom, 18—25 Mar 2020 (Closed on the day it opened due to pandemic)..
Provisional Memorial to Nuclear Disarmament and Placards for Mutinous Submariners Mabb, David . 2019. Provisional Memorial to Nuclear Disarmament and Placards for Mutinous Submariners. In: "Parade", Former Tourist Information Centre/Broadway Gallery, Letchworth Garden City, United Kingdom, 13 December 2019 - 16 February 2020.
Unrealised Project Mabb, David . 2019. Unrealised Project. In: "LLAWN (Llandudno Arts Weekend), Murals", Llandudno, United Kingdom, 13-15 September 2019.
Four Historical Materialism Posters Mabb, David . 2019. Four Historical Materialism Posters. In: "Songs the Plants Taught Us", Anytime Dept., United States, 30 March - 28 April 2019.
Rise Up! Mabb, David . 2017. Rise Up!. In: "Rise UP!", Nunns Yard, United Kingdom, 30/05/17 - 06/06/17.
#WorldsUpsideDown Mabb, David ; Elshamy, Mosa’ab; and Collective, Justseeds. 2017. #WorldsUpsideDown. In: "#WorldsUpsideDown", Firstsite, United Kingdom, 11 March 2017 - 2 April 2017.
Self Portrait as the Angel of History Mabb, David . 2017. Self Portrait as the Angel of History. In: "Public View", Bluecoat Gallery, United Kingdom, 4 February - 23 April 2017.
Perpetual Uncertainty, exhibition Carpenter, Ele ; Mabb, David ; Crowe, Nick ; Craighead, Alison ; Schuppli, Susan ; and Weir, Andy . 2016. Perpetual Uncertainty, exhibition. In: "Perpetual Uncertainty", Bildmuseet, Sweden, 2 October 2016 - 16 April 2017.
Material Nuclear Culture, Exhibition Carpenter, Ele ; Mabb, David ; Craighead, Alison ; Crowe, Nick ; Schuppli, Susan ; Takeuchi, Kota; and Kobayashi, Erika. 2016. Material Nuclear Culture, Exhibition. In: "Material Nuclear Culture", KARST Gallery, United Kingdom, 17 June - 13 August 2016.
About Two Worlds Mabb, David . 2016. About Two Worlds. In: "About Two Worlds", Handel Street Projects, United Kingdom, 16 January – 20 February 2016.
Construct 1, Morris, Trellis / Stepanova, Optical. 2003 Mabb, David . 2016. Construct 1, Morris, Trellis / Stepanova, Optical. 2003. In: "The Gardener Digs in Another Time", Whitworth Art Gallery, United Kingdom, 23 June - 9 October 2016.
'When class-robbery is abolished every man will reap the fruits of his labour' Mabb, David . 2015. 'When class-robbery is abolished every man will reap the fruits of his labour'. In: "2nd International Bodrum Biennial “Tolerance - Forbearance”", Bodrum, Turkey, 12 September - 12 November 2015.
Rhythmus Mabb, David . 2015. Rhythmus. In: "‘Graphics Interchange Format: 25 Years of Focal Point Gallery", FocalPoint Gallery, United Kingdom, 21 July - 19 September 2015.
Announcer Mabb, David . 2015. Announcer. In: "Announcer", William Morris Gallery, United Kingdom, 27-June - 27 Sept 2015.
Who Thinks the Future? Mabb, David ; Bilton, Joshua; Harvey-Regan, Darren; Moore, Jenny; Ounanian, Steven; Pickering, Kate; and Warne Thomas, Charlotte. 2014. Who Thinks the Future?. Lewisham Art House, United Kingdom 26th September - 5th October 2014.
Announcer Mabb, David . 2014. Announcer. Focal Point Gallery, Southend on Sea, United Kingdom 12th April 2014 -12th July 2014.
In England's Green and Pleasant Land Mabb, David . 2014. In England's Green and Pleasant Land. In: "Mr and Mrs Andrews", Transition Gallery, 29 November - 21 December 2014.
Highlights from The Morris Kitsch Archive Mabb, David ; Syjuco, Stephanie; Slavick, Susanne; and Lynn Waddell, Stacy. 2013. Highlights from The Morris Kitsch Archive. In: "Ornament and Crime", Ortega y Gasset Projects, United States, November 2nd – December 15th, 2013.
Regime Change Begins at Home Mabb, David . 2013. Regime Change Begins at Home. In: "Regime Change Begins at Home", William Morrris Gallery, United Kingdom, 1st May - 28th July 2013.
David Mabb & Henrik Schrat Mabb, David ; and Schrat, Henrik. 2013. David Mabb & Henrik Schrat. In: "LoBe", Berlin, Germany.
Bed Peace Mabb, David . 2012. Bed Peace. In: "Dreamers of Dreams part of Late at Tate", Tate Britain, United Kingdom.
David Mabb Mabb, David . 2011. David Mabb. In: "Artist of the Day", Flowers, United Kingdom, 29/6/11.
Utopia Ltd Mabb, David ; and Walsh, Mary Ruth. 2011. Utopia Ltd. In: "Utopia Ltd", Highlanes Gallery Drogheda, Ireland, 30/04/2011-03/08/2011.
The Morris Kitsch Archive Mabb, David . 2010. The Morris Kitsch Archive. In: "The Morris Kitsch Archive", Delaware Center for Contemporary Art, Wilmington, Delaware, United States, 13/08/10 – 05/12/10.
"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” Mabb, David . 2009. "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”. In: ""Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful"", Leo Kamen Gallery, Toronto, Canada, Feb 21 - Mar 21, 2009.
Rhythm 69 and A Miniature Retrospective Mabb, David . 2008. Rhythm 69 and A Miniature Retrospective. In: "Rhythm 69 and A Miniature Retrospective", Jugendstilsenteret & KUBE, Alesund, Norway, 31 May - 18 August 2008.
Dialogues, Biennale of Contemporary Art Mabb, David ; and et al.. 2007. Dialogues, Biennale of Contemporary Art. In: "Dialogues, Biennale of Contemporary Art, Menage", St Petersburg, Russian Federation.
Art into Everyday Life Mabb, David . 2006. Art into Everyday Life. In: "Art into Everyday Life", Contemporary Art Centre, 1/20/2006 - 3/19/2006.
Self-Portrait as Rodchenko (Based on a Photograph by Mikhail Kaufman, David Mabb in William Morris ‘Fruit’ Production Suit, photographed by Robin Forster and copied in paint by Rajendra Sharma) Mabb, David . 2006. Self-Portrait as Rodchenko (Based on a Photograph by Mikhail Kaufman, David Mabb in William Morris ‘Fruit’ Production Suit, photographed by Robin Forster and copied in paint by Rajendra Sharma). In: "John Moores 24", National Museums Liverpool, United Kingdom, 16 September - 26 November 2006.
Morris in Jaipur: The Work of Art in the Context of Hand-made Reproduction Mabb, David . 2005. Morris in Jaipur: The Work of Art in the Context of Hand-made Reproduction. In: "Morris in Jaipur: The Work of Art in the Context of Hand-made Reproduction", Queens Galley, British Council, 3/18/2005 - 4/9/2005.
William Morris, "Ministering to the swinish luxury of the rich" Mabb, David . 2004. William Morris, "Ministering to the swinish luxury of the rich". In: "William Morris, "Ministering to the swinish luxury of the rich"", Whitworth Art Gallery, University of Manchester, United Kingdom, 4/10/2004 - 12/23/2004.
Wish You Were Here Mabb, David . 2004. Wish You Were Here. In: "Wish You Were Here", Waygood Gallery, Newcastle, United Kingdom.
Inter Mabb, David . 2004. Inter. In: "Inter", Harris Museum and Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom.
Arttextiles 3 Mabb, David . 2004. Arttextiles 3. In: "Arttextiles 3", Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery.
A Factory As It Might Be or The Hall Of Flowers Mabb, David . 2003. A Factory As It Might Be or The Hall Of Flowers. In: "A Factory As It Might Be or The Hall Of Flowers", Art Gallery of Windsor, Canada, 8/9/2003 - 10/5/2003.
The Hall of the Modern Mabb, David . 2003. The Hall of the Modern. In: "The Hall of the Modern", The Economist Plaza, London, United Kingdom, 1 October -23 November 2003.
Science Fiction Double Feature Mabb, David . 2003. Science Fiction Double Feature. In: "Science Fiction Double Feature", Aas, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Further Up In The Air Mabb, David . 2003. Further Up In The Air. In: "Further A Field", Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Pattern Crazy Mabb, David . 2002. Pattern Crazy. In: "Pattern Crazy", Crafts Council Gallery, London, United Kingdom.
The Decorating Business Mabb, David . 2000. The Decorating Business. In: "The Decorating Business", Oakville Gallery, Canada, 7 October – 26 November 2000.

Exhibition Catalogue

Announcer (broadsheet) Mabb, David . 2014. Announcer (broadsheet).
Commodity Form Drake, Colin; and Mabb, David . 2008. Commodity Form.
The Sneeze Mabb, David . 2006. The Sneeze.

Artist's Book

Furthermore … ‘a book of proposals’: Proposal for The Linosa Close Transitional Monument Mabb, David . 2004. Furthermore … ‘a book of proposals’: Proposal for The Linosa Close Transitional Monument.

Conference or Workshop Item

Dialectical Reversal in About Two Worlds Mabb, David . 2024. 'Dialectical Reversal in About Two Worlds'. In: ‘Pattern and Chaos in Art, Science and Everyday Life: Critical Intersections and Creative Practice’ Book Launch. Norwich University of the Arts, United Kingdom 19 March 2024.
The Kelmscott facsimile works and new book cover designs: Dialectical propositions Mabb, David . 2021. 'The Kelmscott facsimile works and new book cover designs: Dialectical propositions'. In: The Kelmscott Press and Its Legacies. St Bride Foundation, London, United Kingdom 6 November 2021.
William Morris’ ‘Tudor Rose’ and the Royal Navy Mabb, David . 2019. 'William Morris’ ‘Tudor Rose’ and the Royal Navy'. In: Morris & Co. Interiors A symposium organised by the National Trust. Art Workers Guild, London, United Kingdom 6 November 2019.

Art Object

A pattern of life Mabb, David . 2019. A pattern of life.
A Provisional Memorial to Nuclear Disarmament Mabb, David . 2016. A Provisional Memorial to Nuclear Disarmament.
Maid with Two Squares Mabb, David . 2016. Maid with Two Squares.

Article

News from SOMEWHERE Mabb, David . 2021. News from SOMEWHERE. The Journal of William Morris Studies, XXIV(1-2), pp. 88-94. ISSN 1756-1353
Annotations on Historical Materialism Conference Posters Mabb, David . 2021. Annotations on Historical Materialism Conference Posters. Folded Life, Talking Textile Politics,
Kehinde Wiley, The Yellow Wallpaper Mabb, David . 2020. Kehinde Wiley, The Yellow Wallpaper. Journal of William Morris Studies, XXIII(4), pp. 35-40. ISSN 1756-1353

Audio

David Mabb: Interview with Brainard Carey Mabb, David ; and Carey, Brainard. 2015. David Mabb: Interview with Brainard Carey.

Book Section

Dialectical Reversal in About Two Worlds Mabb, David . 2023. Dialectical Reversal in About Two Worlds. In: Sarah Horton and Victoria Mitchell, eds. Pattern and Chaos in Art, Science and Everyday Life: Critical Intersections and Creative Practice. Bristol: Intellect, pp. 222-228. ISBN 9781789388718
William Morris and the Culture Industry: Appropriation, Art, Critique Mabb, David . 2020. William Morris and the Culture Industry: Appropriation, Art, Critique. In: Florence S. Boos, ed. The Routledge Companion to William Morris. New York and Abingdon: Routledge, pp. 227-258. ISBN 9780415347433
Art Teaching: Dialectics of Practice and Theory Mabb, David ; and Malik, Suhail . 2017. Art Teaching: Dialectics of Practice and Theory. In: Peter Sonderen and Marijn de Langen, eds. Theory - Arts - Practices. Arnhem: ArtEZ Press, pp. 69-81. ISBN 978-94-91444-39-5

Art into Everyday Life Mabb, David . 2013. Art into Everyday Life. In: Marta Rabikowska, ed. The Everyday of Memory; Between Communism and Post-Communism. Oxford, Bern, Berlin, Bruxelles, Frankfurt am Main, New York, Wien.: Peter Lang, pp. 137-146. ISBN ISBN 978-3-0343-0847-2
Morris/Fruit, Rodchenko/Triple Peaks Mabb, David . 2010. Morris/Fruit, Rodchenko/Triple Peaks. In: Gill Saunders, ed. Walls Are Talking: Wallpaper, Art and Culture. Chicago and London: The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester and KWS Publishers.
Hijack: Morris Dialectically Mabb, David . 2010. Hijack: Morris Dialectically. In: Phillipa Bennett and Rosie Miles, eds. William Morris in the Twenty-First Century. (20) Oxford, Bern, Berlin, Bruxelles, Frankfurt am Main, New York, Wien: Peter Lang, pp. 153-166. ISBN 978-3-0343-0106-0
Interview Mabb, David . 2005. Interview. In: UNSPECIFIED, ed. Pilot: 2. London: Pilot.
Two series of paintings: Elegies to the Third International and Unrealised Projects Series Mabb, David . 2005. Two series of paintings: Elegies to the Third International and Unrealised Projects Series. In: Dave Beech and Mark Hutchinson, eds. There is Always an Alternative. London: Arts Council.
Artist Contribution in Transmission: Speaking and Listening Volume 3 Ornament and Utility Mabb, David . 2004. Artist Contribution in Transmission: Speaking and Listening Volume 3 Ornament and Utility. In: Emma Cocker; Lesley Sanderson and Sharon Kivlan, eds. Transmission: Speaking and Listening Volume 3 Ornament and Utility. Site Gallery. ISBN 9781899926510
Interview Mabb, David ; and et al.. 2004. Interview. In: UNSPECIFIED, ed. Pilot:1 Q&A by Doriane Laithier. London: Pilot.
Art of the Stitch and Sample Mabb, David . 2003. Art of the Stitch and Sample. In: Polly Leonard, ed. Art of the Stitch and Sample. London: Embroiderers Guild.
David Mabb Mabb, David . 2002. David Mabb. In: UNSPECIFIED, ed. Sidewinder. Calcutta: CIMA Gallery. ISBN 8187977019

Design

Historical Materialism Conference London Poster 2025 Mabb, David . 2025. Historical Materialism Conference London Poster 2025.
Haymarket Books, Historical Materialism book series, cover designs. Mabb, David . 2025. Haymarket Books, Historical Materialism book series, cover designs..
Historical Materialism Conference Poster 2024 Mabb, David . 2024. Historical Materialism Conference Poster 2024.

Digital

Historical Materialism (logo and graphics) Mabb, David . 2018. Historical Materialism (logo and graphics).
Image from Rhythm 69 for Journal of Socialist Studies/Études socialistes Mabb, David . 2018. Image from Rhythm 69 for Journal of Socialist Studies/Études socialistes.
Announcer Mabb, David . 2016. Announcer.

Film/Video

IDEA13 TV: Interview with artist DAVID MABB Focal Point Gallery 11 April 2014 Mabb, David . 2014. IDEA13 TV: Interview with artist DAVID MABB Focal Point Gallery 11 April 2014.
Art and Appropriation – when does artistic freedom become copyright infringement? Lubna, Arielle Gem; and Mabb, David . 2011. Art and Appropriation – when does artistic freedom become copyright infringement?.

Printed Ephemera

Image for Cover for Cover Image Les Monde du Travail Mabb, David . 2023. Image for Cover for Cover Image Les Monde du Travail.
Construct 63 (Graveside Oration for Rosa Luxemburg: Morris, Golden Lily / Malevich, Suprematist Composition), 2006 Mabb, David . 2019. Construct 63 (Graveside Oration for Rosa Luxemburg: Morris, Golden Lily / Malevich, Suprematist Composition), 2006.
William Morris's Utopianism cover image David Mabb Mabb, David . 2017. William Morris's Utopianism cover image David Mabb.