J A M E S - F I S H E R

1972
born UK
1992 - 1995
University of Brighton
1995 - 1997
Royal College of Art, London
2005
The Wanderer, Rochester Art Gallery, solo exhibition
'& other recollections', The Eagle Gallery, solo exhibition

Awards

2002-2006
Acme Live/Work Programme, Sugar House Studios, London
2001
Abbey Scholarship in Painting, The British School in Rome
1996
Artist in Residence, The University of Calgary, Canada
1995
Travel Award, East Sussex County Council

James Fisher is a young painter whose work explores contemporary concerns to do with the relationship of image and ground, within a two dimensional illusory surface. Through references such as cupboard clutter, museum cases, natural history, archaeology and geometry, the paintings excavate their own space to reveal traces of the peripheral in everyday life.

Fisher's work blends elements of figuration and abstraction within individual images, employing single or combined motifs which 'hover' at particular points within the picture plane. These motifs - kimonos, vessels, moths, toys - are used rather like anthropological artefacts 'pinned' into the canvas, providing a focus for the image, while at the same time appearing somehow on the edge. Issues of scale are employed which can turn architectural structures into well-thumbed toys or domestic objects into buildings. The viewpoints are at once ant's-eye and aircraft window.

"…the images neither dictate nor demand but simply rest, mouth shut, one ear slightly cocked. And this could be a simile or a smile."

Extract from British School at Rome exhibition catalogue text by Dr. Tim Saunders, 2001

Encountering St Ippolyts, Horse Girl 2006 Etching, 41 x 36 cm Edition 20 £200 ex VAT