Bright Young Figures

'Bright Young Figures' is an exhibition featuring the work of BP Portrait Prize shortlisted artists Vanessa Garwood, Hugo Wilson and Ian Bruce.

The exhibition celebrates the traditions of painting through the representations of the figure. It will showcase different interpretations of the human form by three exceptional young contemporary artists all of whom display the technical skill of classical painting, more often than not forgotten in today's emerging art scene.

Both Hugo Wilson and Vanessa Garwood were shortlisted for the BP Portrait prize in 2005 and 2006 respectively, and have had their work hung in the National Portrait Gallery. Ian Bruce is currently showing in two exhibitions in England, having been shortlisted from his degree show at Edinburgh.

Wilson's 'momento mori' in the form of death masks, ask us to question mortality and fragility and through depictions of his sublime anatomical sphenoid, he takes the representation of the figure back to its fundamental beginnings.

Garwood, like Wilson, shows signs of classical training and the deep influence of the tonal harmonies of Velazquez and Sargent. Her naturalistic portraits are highly evocative and convey a deeply sensitive appreciation for character and the evolving 'self'.

Ian Bruce’s work is a juxtaposition of the different collaborative elements of portraiture. He believes that artistic development arises through searching for a form of representation that suits the sitter.

Their work comes together in this exhibition to illustrate the consciousness of social and individual spaces and narratives, whilst simultaneously addressing questions of aesthetics and form.

This exhibition is supported by Moet & Chandon and Marsh & Parsons.