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Judy Clarkson
London-based painter working in oils. Clarkson's work is figurative and expresses the human condition.
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Judy Clarkson
About
London-based painter working in oils. Clarkson's work is figurative and expresses the human condition.
Statement
I work in oil on canvas, and also draw regularly from life, an essential part of my practice. The human face and figure are the main inspiration for my work, and through these subjects, I seek to question the human condition within an increasingly alienating and transformative digital arena. Often there is an implied drama in my compositions, the subjects caught in a moment or predicament. The open-ended nature of these images asks of the viewer to bring their own interpretations and experiences to the picture. I seek to form an emotional bridge between observer and observed: each element of my paintings is significant, but often there is no clear narrative. It is through this ambiguity that I hope a revelation can emerge. My paintings are densely worked in layers of oil paint, and I feel that I build the subject, almost like a sculpture. Although realistic from a distance, in proximity loose brushstrokes hold the marks of the brush as if still fluid and in movement. Through this approach I aim to create a tactile and intimate rendition of what it is to be human.
Education
- 1987BA Fine Art, St Martin's School of Art, London
Exhibitions
Group
- 2026Ghost Passage, Gallery Marquess, London, United Kingdom
- 2026The Atrium, Hypha Studios Southwark, London, United Kingdom
- 2026FOMO 002, Bleur, London, United Kingdom
- 2026Gateway to London East, Gallery Marquess, London, United Kingdom
- 2026Cycles, Espacio Gallery, London, United Kingdom
- 2026Face 2 Face, Laundry Studios, London, United Kingdom
- 2026Behind the Artist Art Prize Exhibition , Online
- 2026The Shape of Anxiety , Chilli Gallery, London, United Kingdom
- 2026Beyond the Ribbon, Firepit Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom
- 2025Borderlines, Fitzrovia Gallery, London, United Kingdom
- 2025FOMO, Bleur, London, United Kingdom
- 2025Art Evol 2025, Saatchi Gallery, London, United Kingdom
Recognition
Representation
Currently not represented - open to enquiries.
Awards, prizes & residencies
- 2026The Hunger Magazine Prize, The Women in Art Fair
- 2025The Daler Rowney Prize, New Emergence Art
- 2025The Paula Rego Painting Prize, Women in Art Prize
- 2026D Contemporary Open Call Shortlist, D Contemporary
- 2026Well Hung Painting Prize Shortlist, Well Hung Framers
- 2025Beth Hughes Bursary, New Light Art
- 2023New Light Prize Shortlist, New Light Art
- 2022Platinum Award, The Cancer Feminine, Purple Octopus Art
- 2023Chaiya Art Awards Shortlist, Chaiya Art
- 2021Judges' Choice Award, Chaiya Art
- 2020New Light Art Prize Shortlist, New Light Art
- 2019John Ruskin Prize shortlist, John Ruskin Prize
- 2018Winner Holly Bush Emerging Woman Painter Prize, Holly Bush Emerging Woman Painter Prize
Commissions
I take commissions for portraits and other figurative work.
Starting from $1,016
Start a commission →