Local Artist Wins Prestigious Turner Watercolour Award
Francis Bowyer's paintings from trip to Afghanistan form part of RWS Spring Exhibition
|
Well-known local artist Francis Bowyer (on right) has won the prestigious Turner Watercolour Award which is awarded every two years by the Royal Watercolour Society.
Francis is currently exhibting paintings from his trip to British Army bases in Afghanistan as part of the Royal Watercolour Society's 'Spring Exhibition' (March 28- April 26) which is focusing on war and conflict. The Turner award is given for a work or works in the 'Spring Exhibition'.
In September 2013 Francis went to Camp Bastion (along with his artist brother Jason), at the invitation of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, (REME) to capture the scene as War Artists, an experience he described as "powerful and thought-provoking".
Close Support Logistics by Francis Bowyer
In an interview with the RWS Spring newsletter, Francis describes the challenges of being an artist in a war zone, working in the heat and constantly on the move sketching quickly in unusual locations ranging from inside a Chinook helicopter, or near a Sangar (lookout post). He was particularly interested in the colours of the desert which he describes as "very very subtle".
The RWS exhibition, 'Marking Time' is held at Bankside Gallery (next to Tate Modern) from March 28-April 26. Part of the exhibition will include a selection of pictures to commemorate the outbreak of the WWI, but it also features paintings dealing with conflict and war in general.
A member of a well-known artistic family with close links to Chiswick, Francis Bowyer studied at St. Martins School of Art and Chelsea School of Art and currently teaches life drawing at the Royal Academy Schools. He is a Member of the Royal Watercolour Society, where he served as President of the Society from 2000 – 2003 and is a Member of the New English Art Club.
Francis Bowyer in Afghanistan
The Royal Watercolour Society is based at Bankside Gallery, located on the south bank of the River Thames next to Tate Modern. During exhibitions the Gallery is open daily between 11am and 6pm. Admission to their exhibitions is free.
Email: info@banksidegallery.com
Telephone: 020 7928 7521
March 28, 2014