Oliver Winconek’s exhibition ‘Mugshot: Painting the least wanted’ is at the Babylon Gallery in Ely until Sunday (February 18) at midday.

Inspired by American police mugshots from the 1940s, 50s and 60 that focus on petty criminals from all walks of life, he said: “I have chosen to paint people on the edge of society, those in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Some of the ‘crimes’ these people have committed are homosexuality, which is no longer illegal today.

“I am fascinated by changing attitudes and shifting tolerances together with mistakes in judgement that led to the subjects being arrested.”

“I love the intimacy of them and I have carried that feeling into the paintings, working wet into wet using oils with each piece coated in gloss resin to mimic the sheen on a photograph.”

Fascinated by people and the human form, Oliver has dedicated a large part of his practise to painting portrait commissions as well as working with actors and musicians.