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N.S.VALLUVAN left a comment for Knifesmith Gallery

TRANSCENDENTOGRAPH

Sep 13, 2010

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Website: http://www.knifesmith.co.uk

Member type: Gallery

About my artwork: Knifesmith Gallery is an important new art space in the centre of Bristol.

With a remit for showing edgy, challenging and beautiful contemporary and historic work, Knifesmith is set to become one of Bristol's primary commercial art galleries.

What exhibitions are good at the moment?: BARRY BURMAN (1943-2001) is the inaugural exhibition at the Knifesmith Gallery, 11 Christmas Steps, Bristol. This is a rare chance to see work by one of the most talented British artists of the late 20th century. Only the second exhibition since the artist’s untimely death in 2001, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Burman made exquisite images, imagined portraits mainly and maquettes of figures from the darkest depths of history, literature, mythology and his own imagination. In his rendering of facial skin in particular, Burman could achieve a tone, texture and patina reminiscent to the work of Renaissance artists, a comment which has often been made by critics. Burman was a prolific artist, conscientious in the development of his work, using a variety of media including oils, pastel, pencil, charcoal, egg, vinegar, papier mache and even human hair to achieve his aims. His charcoal and pencil drawings are delicate and beautifully realised.

In an interview recorded in 1992, Barry spoke candidly about his work and his fascination with issues which many of us find difficult to deal with. Perhaps the most chilling images relate to murders committed by Jack the Ripper and the despicable crimes of American Ed Gein. On documenting the sites of the Ripper murders in London’s East-end, Burman spoke of strong ‘resonances’ or ‘agony traces’, as he called them. It has been noted that Burman did not convey empathy for the perpetrators of such crimes, but said of his interest in them, “…there is a mental area in some men we cannot penetrate … they are hidden men.” This statement explains why Burman chose to mask or part-mask many of his subjects.

Born in Elstow, Bedfordshire in 1943, Burman studied at Coventry College of Art and then the Royal College of Art. From 1974, he lectured part time at Mid Warwickshire College of Art. He won the Hunting/Observer prize in 1991 and was represented in the UK by the Goldmark Gallery.

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At 8:47am on September 13, 2010, N.S.VALLUVAN said…: TRANSCENDENTOGRAPH

At 2:02am on August 1, 2009, Joan Priego said…: Hello I’m Joan Priego, sculptor from Barcelona, Spain. Please feel free to visit my work. I hope you’ll find it interesting.
Greetings from Barcelona
Best Joan
http://meseon.net/portfolio/artist/joanpriego
http://bloges.meseon.net/archives/107-Entrevista-Joan-Priego.html
http://www.joanpriego.blogspot.com/

At 10:47am on March 11, 2009, ArtCalendr.com said…: ARTCALENDR has launched!

Free, easy to use, and updated each week, it provides members with fully comprehensive details of everything that is going on in the art world in over 40 countries, from exhibitions, galleries and artists, to major art fairs and biennales. Register to add details of your own exhibitions and events. click here to get started

At 6:30pm on December 10, 2008, Robin Portnoff said…: Thanks for the friendship!

At 10:23pm on December 2, 2008, Julie Taylor said…: Hi, Thanks for making the trip all the way from Birmingham - Bristol a memorable one.Two great guys with an innovative exciting gallery and who knows you may be exhibiting my "Burmanesque "style sometime ? Julie Taylor

At 7:24pm on November 16, 2008, paul said…: i was fortunate enough to have been a pupil of barry burmans during my A levels and foundation years....a real mentor for me and a truly smashing chap....i only just found out about his departure and am bloody annoyed at him..but very sad, a great shame.i considered him and malcolm baxter and the leamington spa tutors as some of the best people i ever met ...very fond memories a better friend you could never ask for..i am sure this exhibition will be a tribute to the man.i raise a glass of best brandy...

At 11:24pm on November 13, 2008, Marta Melniczuk said…: Welcome, I invite you to visit my pages, cheers

At 10:44pm on November 13, 2008, Michael Bowdidge said…: Just curious as to whether you're interested in showing sculpture as well as painting?

At 10:35pm on November 13, 2008, tony south said…: First time ive seen mr Burmans work, excellent, especially like the darker stuff.
best
Tony

At 10:23pm on November 13, 2008, Mark Lomax said…: Hi Jamie, Thanks for your comments, I would certainly be interested in working with you in the future.

I'm sure that I must have met Barry's wife on occasions, but unfortunately have no clear recollections of her.
Good luck with the current show.
Regards
Mark

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