Figure This! Reveals That Painting is Alive and Kicking
London, 9 November - 1 December 2019

The vibrant London art complex Thames-Side Studios is hosting artist-led exhibition and conference Figure This! This vision of contemporary figuration showcases a selection of international artists who demonstrate powerful and diverse engagement with both their materials and the universal appeal of the human figure.

It seems that the rumours of the death of painting have been greatly exaggerated, as this show demonstrates. Figure This! celebrates the central role of drawing and painting in artistic creation and the timeless representation of the human figure.

“Human beings are compelled to make handprints on walls with pigment. We will always be captivated and engaged by representations of other people, it is part of who we are.” Elina Cerla, Curator.

Some of the artists explore the struggle with individual and national identity and reflect upon today’s political challenges. Others subtly re-introduce authentic sentiment in a strikingly contemporary way. Here are paintings and drawings that make rich use of materials, they have a physical presence that needs to be seen in person. The show includes both established and exciting new artists, and work that has never been seen in the UK before: Jeanette Barnes, Paul Brandford, Elina Cerla, Jane Clatworthy, Irene Cuadrado, John Devane, Marilyn Durkin, Wendy Elia, Site Fu, Lucie Geffré, Jane Hodgson, Luca Indraccolo, Alan J. Lawson, Max Middleton, Nan Qiao, Jen Sendall, Charmaine Watkiss.

Figure This! includes workshops and a one-day conference on Saturday 30 November to explore the relevance of figuration today and re-energise debate. Jen Sendall, Co-Curator, explained, “We feel that the critical engagement for painting has been lagging behind and we are creating a platform to tackle these unanswered concerns.”

Figure This! is curated by Elina Cerla, co-curated by Jen Sendall, and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Thames-Side Studios Gallery is part of the largest single-site studio provider for artists and creatives in the UK with over 500 studios and various on-site cafes. A lively riverside complex along the Thames Path with spectacular views of the Thames Barrier.