ADELE GIBSON
Oil paintings celebrating beauty in the natural world
Photo by Sarah Weal
Artist Statement:
I am a Sussex based artist and find inspiration for my painting from the natural world, both the South Downs landscape where I live and further afield. I have travelled widely for my work, in particular the far north and I have made visits to Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland. Throughout 2024 due to health reasons I re-engaged with my local landscape.
In my studio, I develop my paintings so that they go beyond a pictorial representation. My work is imbued with my thoughts, reflections, and love for both the subject and the painting process. I aim to convey not just what is seen, but what is felt and reflected upon, the joy that the natural world can bring. I paint in oils, on wood panels, which allows me to use several layers of thick paint applied with energetic gestural strokes using a variety of tools. Along with brushes, I use painting wedges, palette knives and feathers collected on m daily walks. I maximise the lusciousness and tactile quality of oil paint by using glazes to deepen and saturate the colour. I balance the building up of paint layers and keeping the work fresh, which the subject demands. Through bold colours, fluid forms, and dynamic compositions, I aim to communicate a sense of harmony and balance that resonates with the viewer.
Biography
Adele Gibson has painted professionally since completing her MA in Fine Art at the University of Brighton in 2017. She represents herself as well as showing work in galleries across the south of England.
The Arctic is a special place for Gibson, in July 2018 she particpated in the the Arctic Circle residency, a 3- week Art and Science expedition to Svalbard.In 2022 she participated in a photography expedition to Greenland to see the icebergs and Icefjord in Ilulisaat.Gibson's paintings aim to convey a sense of the sublime beauty of the natural world.
Alongside her painting practice, Gibson has worked as a freeland curator and arts organiser, successfully gaining Arts Council funding for a project 'Let's talk about the Anthropocene'. In July 2019 this resulted in an exhibition and residency for 8 artists at the Univeristy of Brighton Grand Parade campus.
Exhibitions
Summer 2024 - 'Close to Home' Solo show, Watercourt gallery, Lewes, East Sussex
Summer 2023 - Summer show, Control Tower gallery, Kingshill, Kent curated by June Frickleton
Sep 2023 - 'Visions of Elsewhere'. Solo show, Watercourt gallery, Lewes, East Sussex
Jan 2022 - 'Freeze, melt' Solo show: Meiklejohn gallery, Lewes, East Sussex
June 2021 - 'Elementa' solo exhibition at the Star Brewery gallery, Lewes, East Sussex.
2020 - Maze gallery, Barnes
March 2020 - Root and Branch, exhibition at Kevis House gallery, Petworth, West Sussex.
July 2019: Arts Council Award: Let’s talk about the Anthropocene: project organiser and curator, University of Brighton
May 2019: 6 at the Regency Town House, MA alumni exhibition during Brighton Open House event
June 2018: Selected artist for summer International Arctic Circle Expedition to the High Arctic
2018 - Grain Gallery, Sherborne, Dorset – oil paintings
Feb 2018: Ashdown gallery, Forest Row, East Sussex
Sept 2017: Shortlisted for National Open Art competition
July 2018: MA Fine Art show, Main gallery, University of Brighton
Feb 2017: Selected for MA and other Post-Graduates, Atkinson Gallery, Millfield School, Somerset
Oct 2015: Selected artist at PURE arts agency autumn show, Powdermills hotel, Battle, East Sussex
Sept 2015: Brighton Art Fair