Work from 1980 - 95

During the 1980's, much of Graeme Willson's work became concerned with the relationship between the sexes. Occasionally there is an attempt to revitalise some of the ancient myths which deal with these archetypes - for example 'Apollo' and 'The Archaeology of Ephesus'. Much of this work culminated in an exhibition at Smith's Galleries in London, in April 1988, shared with artist Tom Wood.

Apollo: The Ruins of the Temple

Oil on canvas

48" X 48"

1988 - 89

Private Collection, U.K.
Moondancer

Oil on canvas

48" X 38"

1988 - 89

Private Collection, U.K.
Amazon Blood, Marble Memory

Oil on canvas

48" X 30"

1985 - 89

Private Collection, U.K.

Archaeology of Ephesus

Oil on canvas

34" X 34"

1985 - 89

Private Collection, U.K.
Commensurate

Oil on canvas

16" X 20"

1987 - 88

Private Collection, U.K.
Allegory of Justice

Oil on canvas

72" x 48"

1987 - 88

Private Collection, U.K.

"What both artists share is a desire to seek below the surface, and the realization that the images released cannot be interpreted in a single way. Much of Willson's work is concerned with human sexuality the intimacy of some of his titles - Tidal Flow and Menstrual Moon - show both concern with eternal feminine mysteries and a post-feminist exploration of understanding between the sexes. Paintings like Allegory of Justice and Commensurate are private meditations by an artist who has produced much public work: Willson has painted altarpieces for York Minster, murals for Surbiton railway, winning the Arts Council award for art in public places in 1978. Allegory and Commensurate both take a delight in space and illusion; they have a way of holding the eye with the bravura of cool tonalities bisected by hot. Commensurate is dreamlike, with it's naked, sunlit figure fragmented among columns half as old as time: architectural motifs feature strongly in Willson's work, not surprising in an artist who is continually placing his paintings in architectural settings. As is the case with Tom Wood, whose 'public' face is his portrait commissions, we see Willson exploring beyond commissioned work and responding with a complexity that gives the commissioned work its depth. Freedom and vitality is what this two-man show is all about."

Susan Morris, Arts Review 1988

The following works also attempt to fuse the sacred and profane, often in an architectural context...

The Chymical Wedding

Acrylic and oil on canvas

60" X 48"

1992 - 93

Private Collection, U.K.
Man in the Moon

Oil on canvas

18" X 12"

1989

Private Collection, U.K.

"We are particularly pleased to find an artist who is making a valuable contribution to modern art and who is positive and constructive. Too much of the so-called avant-garde is negative and destructive and also provides a blanket for incompetency. The command of environment and figures, of depth and surface treatment, and particularly of scale, are such that we are entitled to expect international acclaim for his work in the future."

Sloane Street Gallery, London

Most of Graeme's work is for sale. Prices include frames.
The book "Graeme Willson" (published 1998 by Smith Settle) is available price £7.50 paperback and £10.00 hardback plus postage and packaging.
Also the video: Graeme Willson: Art in Public Places £7.50 plus postage and packaging.