Alison Pullen: In Situ: New Oxford Interiors
Alison Pullen, Ashmolean, Randolph Gallery II
Alison Pullen is well known for her compelling paintings of opulent interiors. For her new collection showing at Sarah Wiseman Gallery in May 2017, visitors to the gallery can expect to see new paintings made at a variety of historic locations around Oxford; from the spectacular Blenheim Palace to the tiny hidden Bartlemas Chapel, and the world famous Sheldonian Theatre and Oxford University Botanic Garden.
Using collage, Alison begins each painting by flipping through hundreds of pages of interior magazines in search of images to use as a background, on top of which she will paint the scene in front of her.
'I love collage because in using it you already have something that needs changing,' she explains. 'I use whole scenes which are a reference to another place or space. I am in control of the process and yet, I am not.'
Alison takes the viewer behind the scenes of little known rooms and private spaces. She picks out details, such as drapes and ceiling cornicing using a bone-matt gouache paint, allowing glossy imagery from the magazine pages below to shine through. The result is a beautiful, almost abstract image of an interior. 'The painting of a room is like a portrait of the person who owns it. That's what's important', she says.
Osterley Park House, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Fulham Palace are among the auspicious locations settings for previous work. She was commissioned to paint at Buckingham Palace, where she made a series of paintings in the Throne Room, some of which are now in the Royal Collection.
In the more intimate setting of domestic interiors, Alison has painted numerous commissions for private clients. 'I am always happy to do something challenging. I think I have a particular affinity with interiors because they are so personal. In the paintings of historic houses, I am inspired by the thought of all the people who lived there, and what has happened in those people's lives in those rooms. Like layers of wallpaper, each person has left their mark in the room.'
Alison Pullen
'IN SITU: New Oxford Interiors'
Sarah Wiseman Gallery
www.wisegal.com
6th - 27th May 2017
Acclaimed artist Alison Pullen paints dazzling Blenheim Palace interiors for her new exhibition.
Acclaimed artist Alison Pullen is best known for her compelling paintings of opulent interiors - Osterley Park House, Royal Hospital Chelsea and Oxford's Christchurch College are among the auspicious locations settings for her work. She has also painted at Buckingham palace, making a series of work inspired by the Throne Room. For her new collection showing at Sarah Wiseman Gallery, Alison will be working at a variety of locations in Oxfordshire; from the spectacular Blenheim Palace to Bartlemas Chapel, a tiny medieval chapel hidden in buzzing East Oxford. She will also be painting in Oxford University Botanic Garden, the world famous Sheldonian Theatre and Rhodes House.
'The painting of a room is like a portrait of the person who owns it. That is what is important' - Alison Pullen
Using collage, Alison will begin each painting by flipping through hundreds of pages of interior magazines in search of images to use as a background, on top of which she will paint the scene in front of her.
'I love collage because in using it you already have something that needs changing,' she explains. 'I use whole scenes which are a reference to another place or space. I am in control of the process and yet, not'
Alison started making collages as a child, attending art classes after school. Years later, she attended the Royal College of Art, and found herself returning to collage, combined with painting. Alison always works in situ, starting and finishing each painting in each location. Using sheer observational skill adds a power to the paintings that brings them to life. 'The actual process of sitting in the room and looking through lots of magazine pages, makes me think about the work before I even pick up a paintbrush. I think about the proportions, drawing and composition, light and dark - my intentions for the whole work,' she says.
Alison has also made paintings in the more intimate setting of domestic interiors, painting several commissions for private clients. 'I am always happy to do something challenging. I think I have a particular affinity with interiors because they are so personal. In the paintings of historic houses, I am inspired by the thought of all the people who lived there, and what has happened in those people's lives in those rooms. Like layers of wallpaper, each person has left their mark in the room.'
[ENDS]
Notes for editors: Now in its eighteenth year, Sarah Wiseman Gallery is Oxford's largest independent art gallery, specialising in contemporary painting. Sarah Wiseman Gallery is a leading destination for exceptional and inspiring contemporary art.
Alison Pullen
'In Situ'
6th - 27th May 2017
Sarah Wiseman Gallery
40-41 South Parade
Oxford OX2 7JL
01865 515 123
