Figurative
Joyce Gunn Cairns, Henry Jabbour, Angela Repping, Rebecca Westguard & Graeme
Wilcox
2 March – 31 March 2019
Private View, Friday 1 March 6-8pm
The second of our small group shows this year focusses on Figurative artists. The Tate
defines Figurative Art as “any form of modern art that retains strong references to the real world
and particularly to the human figure.” The five artists participating in this exhibition have been
invited as their references to the human figure display varying levels of abstraction and
individual expression.
Joyce Gunn Cairns graduated from Edinburgh College Art having previously studied
German & Comparative Religion at Aberdeen University. She has several works held in the
collections of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and City Arts Centre, Edinburgh as well
as many other major institutions throughout the UK. Employing a muted palette, Joyce’s
figurative paintings feel intensely personal, almost voyeuristic to the extent that the viewer
might feel they are intruding on an intimate moment between the artist and sitter. The subtle
palette combined with its constant layering and scraping back results in the most expressive
and gentle of portraits.
Henry Jabbour, initially trained and worked as a medical scientist before following his
passion for art in 2010 by enrolling in the Leith School of Art where he completed a Diploma
in Drawing & Painting which was followed by an MFA in Painting & printmaking from the
New York Academy of Art. Like Joyce, Henry’s work is intensely expressive but his mark
making and his palette is bold and energetic. In his paintings the paint application appears
haphazard and thickly applied but the finished portraits exude a myriad of evocative human
emotions.
Angela Repping studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee and now lives
and works in North Berwick. Angela describes herself as “a figurative artist, and is fascinated
with the magic of drawing, of making marks that express her feelings for the human form, in
space, light and movement.” In contrast to the loosely expressive styles of Joyce and Henry,
Angela’s drawing is very considered and meticulous but still manages to create a deeply
emotional portrait that goes beyond the likeness of the sitter.
Rebecca Westguard, studied at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen where she now teaches life
drawing. It’s great to see the art of life drawing alive and well in Aberdeen. Rebecca’s
exploration of the human form produces beautifully composed, honest studies. Rather than
shape and size, the studies explore the strength, fragility and beauty found in every sitter.
Graeme Wilcox graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1993 and has worked as a
figurative artist ever since. His work is shown regularly throughout the UK and has won
numerous awards. More traditional and representational in style, Graeme’s studies of
Alan Rae, 7-8 Stanley Road (Main Street), Gullane, East Lothian EH31 2AD
+44 (0)1620 249389 – www.fidrafineart.co.uk - info@fidrafineart.co.uk
individual sitters are contemplative and thoughtful, exploring the subtleties of strength and
frailty in his characters.
Notes to Editors:
Fidra Fine Art
Fidra Fine Art was set up in 2012 trading from their home in North Berwick but have now
moving to new premises on Main Street in Gullane. With an interest in traditional and
contemporary Scottish painting, Fidra Fine Art exhibit a regularly changing line up of solo
and small group shows from emerging and established Scottish artists as well as more historic
pieces from the past 100 years.
Graeme Wilcox – Airborne Figure – Mixed Media on Board – 150x90cm
Alan Rae, 7-8 Stanley Road (Main Street), Gullane, East Lothian EH31 2AD
+44 (0)1620 249389 – www.fidrafineart.co.uk - info@fidrafineart.co.uk
Angel Repping – “Within” Millie Series II – Acrylic, Pencil & Charcoal on Gesso Board – 63.5x48.5cm
Rebecca Westguard – Quick Study One, Anne Florence, Black Ink on Watercolour Paper 18x18.5cm
Alan Rae, 7-8 Stanley Road (Main Street), Gullane, East Lothian EH31 2AD
+44 (0)1620 249389 – www.fidrafineart.co.uk - info@fidrafineart.co.uk
Henry Jabbour – Indelible Scents, Oil on Linen, 98x81cm
Joyce Gunn Cairns – Woman in Green, Oil & Pencil on Board, 32x42cm
Alan Rae, 7-8 Stanley Road (Main Street), Gullane, East Lothian EH31 2AD
+44 (0)1620 249389 – www.fidrafineart.co.uk - info@fidrafineart.co.uk