Bruce McLean: Making An Exhibition Of Myself. In p Exhibitions

Tracing the development of an artist who was at the forefront of the development of Conceptual art in Britain in the 1960s, the exhibition will feature limited edition print works across four decades including a collection of rare posters and books. McLean has exhibited extensively internationally but this is the first time a survey of his print works will be shown in one gallery and is an opportunity to see why he has been such a strong influence on artists over several decades.

On the 28th April at 7pm Bruce McLean will interview himself, focusing on his printmaking activities. Known for his humour and wit the evening promises to be an entertaining and informative discourse on what McLean describes as ‘the inherent problems with print etc’. McLean’s previous talk at Frieze in 2014 was one of the most talked about aspects of the event.

McLean, who has lived in Barnes since 1965 and has a studio in Perrivale, told For Arts Sake the importance of leading artists exhibiting in West London and his passion for ensuring that the spotlight is shone on interesting spaces for art in the West of London.

Bruce McLean was born in 1944 and studied at Glasgow school of art then St Martin’s in London, going on to become one of the leading figures in British contemporary art.

In the 1960s McLean became known as an art world 'dare-devil', causing a stir at St. Martins when he rejected his tutors' views of what sculpture should be. In Pose Work for Plinths I (1971; London, Tate), he used his own body to parody the poses of Henry Moore's celebrated reclining figures. He then went onto use rubbish or his body as sculptural material, and making works that were all about plinths and framing devices. He quickly branched out into other mediums.

At the age of just 27, McLean was the youngest artist ever to be offered an exhibition at the Tate Gallery, but opted, for a 'retrospective' lasting only one day. Numerous international shows have followed and McLean continues to bring colour and humour to different mediums, working as a sculptor and painter.

‘Bruce McLean’s latest silkscreen prints explore the world of the garden and range in composition, palette and atmosphere from bold and bright to serene and contemplative’ said Brian Davis, owner of For Arts Sake. ‘We are very proud to be bringing them, along with a range of other print works, to Ealing. With many leading artists exhibit mainly in the West End or East of London this is a real opportunity for West Londoners to see the work of a hugely influential artist right on their doorstep’.

Artist Bio:
Bruce McLean is one of the major figures of contemporary British Art. Born in 1944 he studied at Glasgow school of art and at St. Martin's in London, where he was taught by Anthony Caro. All his work brilliantly sent up the pompousness of the art world and mocked established art forms. He was given an exhibition at the Tate Gallery at the age of 27. From the late 1970s he has made paintings and prints in which humour remains central.

After St. Martin's McLean went on to teach at The Slade School of Fine Art. His early reputation arose from his activities as a sculptor involved in live actions. He has obtained international recognition for his paintings and prints, work with film theatre and books. McLean's bold and confident approach to print making proved influential to his contemporaries and also to a generation of younger artists.

McLean's work is in private and public collections world-wide and he has had numerous one man shows in both Europe and North America. These include The Tate Gallery, the Modern Art Gallery in Vienna, The Museum of Modern Art Oxford and the National Galleries of Scotland. Bruce McLean was awarded the John Moores prize for painting in 1985, and was the Head of Graduate Painting at the Slade until 2009. He lives and works in London.

Gallery Bio:
For Arts Sake started life in Hendon in 1978 and quickly established a reputation for supplying quality artwork and a custom framing service. A second gallery opened in Ealing in 1984, which houses one of the largest collections of printmaker’s work for sale. The gallery holds regular exhibitions with a focus on contemporary British printmaking.

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