The Box in Plymouth is hosting A Life in Colour, a major retrospective of artist Gillian Ayres that re-examines the career of one of Britain’s most radical abstract painters. The exhibition, which spans seven decades of work, highlights Ayres’ commitment to non-representational painting and her use of vibrant, thick textures. According to Hannah Hooks, contemporary art curator at The Box, the show aims to celebrate a figure who remained devoted to painting throughout a career that spanned from the postwar period until her death in 2018 at age 88.
Why is Gillian Ayres’ work seeing a resurgence?
Ayres is increasingly recognized as a “painter’s painter” who maintained a consistent, fearless approach to her craft, even as abstract painting fluctuated in popularity. According to Hannah Hooks, the exhibition serves as a deliberate effort to bring more visibility to an artist whose contributions were often overshadowed by male contemporaries in the postwar British art scene. By showcasing works ranging from early teen landscapes to late-career pieces created in her north Devon studio, The Box intends to highlight the emotional power of her work.
Some of the murals Ayres created for a north London school in the 1950s were hidden under wallpaper for years. They were rediscovered in near-perfect condition and are now part of the retrospective at The Box.
How did Ayres’ environment influence her style?
Ayres’ move from London to the rural landscape of north Devon profoundly shaped her later work. Her son, Sam Mundy, notes that Ayres held a deep connection to the English West Country, often finding inspiration in the drama of the coast and the sunsets over the water. This environment allowed her to produce large-scale canvases, some so heavily layered with oil paint that the scent remains a sensory component of the viewing experience. Mundy described the logistics of moving these massive works from her cottage as a difficult task, often requiring an old pickup truck to navigate steep, winding hills.
What is the significance of the “non-verbal” approach to art?
In a climate where art is frequently intellectualized, the organizers of A Life in Colour are encouraging visitors to prioritize visual experience over finding hidden meanings. Hannah Hooks suggests that Ayres’ work provides a space for observers to simply “enjoy using your eyes.” This perspective aligns with Ayres’ own belief that her art was not meant to be parsed for representations, but rather felt as a “heady” and often spiritual experience rooted in the intensity of color and texture.
Comparison: The Evolution of Ayres’ Career
| Period | Focus | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | Murals | Early decorative works for public/school spaces. |
| Later Years | Vibrant Abstraction | Large-scale, thick-oil works created in rural north Devon. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Gillian Ayres exhibition located? It is being held at The Box in Plymouth, which recently won the Art Fund museum of the year award.
- What themes are explored in the exhibition? The show focuses on the “riot of colour” and the emotional, non-verbal communication inherent in abstract painting.
- Did Gillian Ayres want her work to be intellectualized? No. According to curator Hannah Hooks, Ayres preferred that viewers avoid searching for deep meaning and instead delight in the visual and textural experience.
Have you visited the retrospective at The Box yet? Share your thoughts on the power of color in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on upcoming regional exhibitions.
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