TABITHA SALMON RETROSPECTIVE - PRESS RELEASE

TABITHA SALMON RETROSPECTIVE
From Moscow to Deauville
17-22 November 2008

A glimpse at the past and hidden secrets unveiled.

On Monday 17 November 2008, a major retrospective exhibition celebrating the remarkable work of Tabitha Salmon opens at The Gallery in Cork Street, London. A convergence of places, history and memories, much anticipated by collectors of this acclaimed British artist, has finally come to fruition. Tabitha reveals not only a phenomenal collection of paintings, but allows us a glimpse of her most recent and deeply personal work - a sculptural installation in the woods of her childhood. In collaboration with award winning, international photographer Barry Lewis this exhibition will launch “The Metal Forest”, a photographic interpretation of Tabitha’s secret woodland project.

Tabitha’s early paintings in particular are those of a figurative reportage artist. She has had several solo exhibitions at Leighton House and at other major London venues. Her distinctive drawings and paintings in gouache, watercolour and oil are held in private collections, as well as public and commercial institutions worldwide.

This unique retrospective takes us on an historically rich, visual journey. Tabitha paints and draws from life, working in freezing conditions on her ground breaking trip behind the ‘iron-curtain’ in Moscow (1985) and swaying about on a tower 600 feet in the air whilst capturing the build of the Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong (1995).

She has travelled widely, her drive and determination taking her on a series of adventurous paths, with projects overlapping countries and themes. The paintings in this exhibition tell many opposing stories - the exotic sensuality of the Moscow State Circus contrasting with her edgy Deauville compositions, the sheer exuberance and decadence of street life in Naples versus the fierce discipline of Andalucians working their fiery horses in Seville. In these and her architectural work man and his physical impact on his surroundings becomes a recurring theme; particularly in her commissioned work of the construction of the Lloyd’s building in London and the Channel Tunnel. Her pictures of 1930’s buildings have a vigorous, majestic quality and her surprising still life paintings have an energy and luminosity that literally glow from within.
The image as icon is Tabitha’s motivation - “When you reduce something to its essence it becomes simpler, yet more powerful” she explains. Working from her studio in London she continues to explore a wealth of references and imagery from her travels, whilst her recent collaboration with Barry Lewis has revealed a new dimension to her creativity.

This entire collection, brought together by Mark Collier, Jane Grater & Philip Collier who have represented Tabitha for the past 25 years, is a magnificent and worthy tribute to one of the most outstanding British artists of her generation.

Some recent paintings will be for sale. Also limited edition giclée prints of all exhibits.