Artist David Evans: 8 Portraits

Artist David Evans (1929-1988): 8 Portraits

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David Evans (1929-1988):
8 Portraits
Unmounted (ref: 8159)
Gouache

31 1/2 x 43 1/4 in. (80 x 110 cm)

See all works by David Evans gouache Canney Abstract Art men portraits David Evans (1929-1988) — The Period Charm of Thatcher's Britain David Evans at Young Gallery



Provenance: The Artist's Studio

In Evans' paintings there are clear generational influences, from Keith Vaughan (1912-1977), by whom Evans was taught, to Peter Blake (b.1932), David Hockney (b.1937), Alan Reynolds (1926-2014), Lucian  Freud  (1922-2011),  Francis  Bacon  (1909-1992),  Graham  Sutherland  (1903-1980), Edward Burra and  Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005). 

Evans frequently produced studies in a series giving clear instructions (to The Redfern Gallery) to present them as a single group: By the way the one with four heads in should be mounted as one with windows cut in the mount, (we had a similar one at McMurrays and it did look splendid) (Friday, date).  Record sleeves might have provided Evans with some of the inspiration for these.  Music was a lifelong passion for Evans, both classical and pop, which he explored through the record shop he ran in London and attending concerts, especially to see Pete Gage perform. Titles including, Al Ziggy and Trev (1980), Buskers (1979); To the strains of piped Grieg; Choral Symphony (1981-2); Music Underground (1981-2); “Devil’s Trill” Sonata; Grosse Nachtmusik. Evans frequently alluded to the similarities between art and music and each of his works was given an Opus number.

Many of his subjects evolve around days out: Reptile House (1979); Aquarium; The Natural History Museum (1978); Figures on a beach and sporting activities: Cricketers (1981) Pool Players (1981-2); Rugby; Skaters (1979); Gymnasts; Bike Rally. Spectacles were a favourite subject: Stadium Crowd (1988); Theatre Audience (1980); Night at the Opera; First Floor Foyer; Live at the New Roxy (1978); Live at the New Tree; The Great Corelli; Tracy’s Disco-Bar (1979); The Crystal Room (1980); Madam Noys; Street Theatre; Horror Film (1988). Fun fairs were the subject of at least three compositions: Dodgems (1976), New Improved Ghost Train (1981-2); Fundrome (1979)Nocturnal scenes were also favourite subjects: Night Flight; Night Landscape II (1979); Nocturnal (1979); Fireworks(1988); City Lights. Evans rejoiced especially in painting an often exclusively male milieu: Men’s Hairdressing (1979); Turkish Baths (1981-82); Club Night II (1988).CAT. 24 – Life Drawing Class, pen & ink on paper, 22 x 29 ½ in. (56 x 75 cm).