Alison Watt

A Portrait Without Likeness: a conversation with the art of Allan Ramsay

By (author) Julie Lawson
By (author) Tom Normand
By (author) Andrew O’Hagan

£25.00

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The first appearance of a series of new paintings by Alison Watt, one of Scotland's most distinguished artists
Considers the work of celebrated eighteenth-century artist, Allan Ramsay, in a new light. The portraits of his two wives, featured in this book, are among the most-loved paintings at the National Galleries of Scotland, and this book uncovers new meaning in these works
A fascinating example of how works of art from the past influence contemporary art and artists that will heighten readers’ understanding and appreciation of the artistic process
Features a specially written short story by Andrew O'Hagan and an eloquent reflection on Watt's new works by Tom Normand. The range of responses highlights the myriad ways in which viewers can interact with and respond to art
Accompanies the exhibition Alison Watt: A Portrait Without Likeness which is taking place at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh from July 2021

Full Description

A unique insight into the ways in which one of today’s leading artists is inspired by great works of the past.

In 16 emphatically modern new paintings, renowned artist, Alison Watt, responds to the remarkable delicacy of the female portraits by eighteenth-century Scottish portraitist, Allan Ramsay.

Watt’s new works are particularly inspired by Ramsay’s much-loved portrait of his wife, along with less familiar portraits and drawings. Watt shines a light on enigmatic details in Ramsay’s work and has created paintings which hover between the genres of still life and portraiture.

In conversation with curator Julie Lawson, Watt discusses how painters look at paintings, explains why Ramsay inspired her, and provides unique insight into her own creative process.

Andrew O’Hagan responds to Watt’s paintings with a new work of short fiction and art historian Tom Normand’s commentary explores further layers of depth to our understanding of both artists.

About the Author

Julie Lawson is Chief Curator at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh. She has curated numerous highly acclaimed exhibitions and is the author of previous books including A Shepherd's Life: Paintings of Jenny Armstrong by Victoria Crowe (2000), John Byrne: Sitting Ducks (2014) and Victoria Crowe: Beyond Likeness (2018).

Tom Normand is Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews. He is the author of several books, most recently The Constructed Worlds of Calum Colvin (Luath Press, 2019). He has also authored numerous academic articles, critical essays and artist's catalogues. He is an Honorary Member of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art.

Andrew O'Hagan's latest novel is Mayflies, published by Faber & Faber in 2020. He received the E.M. Forster Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Los Angeles Times Book Award, and has three times been nominated for the Booker Prize. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

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