Mama Idol No 5
Oil on canvas, 1974
122 x 152cm
Exhibited at ' Realities Nouvelles' 1975

FROM THE STUDIO

ALAN DAVIE and MAURICE COCKRILL

12th June - 5th July 2008

Paintings and Drawings 1948 - 2004

A major exhibiton of fifty
paintings and drawings
9th September 2006 - October 2006

Alan Davie

Born in Grangemouth in 1920, his father was a painter and printmaker. Between 1937 - 40 Alan studied at Edinburgh College of Art where he won several scholarships. After a period spent serving in the army he worked as a jazz musician, while developing his interests in writing poetry, designing and making textiles, ceramics and jewellery. His influences have always been diverse and by the time of his first solo exhibition held in Edinburgh, 1946, his interest in the works of Paul Klee and primitive artists was apparent. By 1947 his work was considered groundbreaking, with successful exhibitions held in the Florence and Venice. During this period the collector Peggy Guggenheim becoming a major supporter and during the next ten years he exhibited widely. His first New York exhibition was held in 1956 and from this time he was warmly accepted and welcomed by the likes of Jackson Pollock and Gorky. During 1957-59 he was Gregory Fellow at Leeds University. His interests ranged from gliding, diving, oriental mysticism, Indian mythology and all aspects of ancient culture and arts.

He continues to exhibit internationally and his work is held in many of the worlds major public collections. In 1972 he was awarded C.B.E. Alan Davie now lives in the UK with his wife Bili. He continues to energetically produce magnificent works of art in his pursuit of spiritual and artistic enlightenment and truth.