CRITIC'S CHOICE
Norman Gilbert may have been painting for 70 years but his work remains as fresh as a summer daisy. The 91-year-old artist is based in the south side of Glasgow and his output is prolific. From next weekend, some of his work will be on show and for sale at a new retrospective exhibition in the Tatha Gallery in Newport-on-Tay.
Gallery owner and artist, Helen Glassford, describes his vivid work "paintings that never stop giving". She explains: "Oil paintings on a gesso ground with vibrant and decorative use of colour and pattern enlighten the senses. They are generous and delightful insights into intimate family life normally unseen by an outsider. I felt like an observer, looking upon an endearing scene yet they had the power to make me feel welcome. There is an interesting synthesis between figure and space, a union perhaps and the more I look the richer they become. They are calming, vital and full of integrity."
Gilbert was born to Scottish parents in Trinidad in 1926. Three generations of his family lived and worked there in the sugar trade. His sun-fused palette – heavily influenced by Matissee – feels like a reflection of this heritage. Gilbert attended the Glasgow School of Art in the late 1940s where he laid the foundation for his painting style and met his late wife, Pat.
This latest show is full of images of his wife, who died in August 2016, the day after their 65th wedding anniversary, and a painting of the eldest of their four sons. You can see the lasting influence of Matisse in his work and the joy of living pulses out of each and every painting.
Passion, Vision & Spirit: Norman Gilbert, Tatha Gallery, 1 High Street, Newport-on-Tay, Fife, DD6 8AB 01382 690800 tathagallery.com/exhibitions/passion-vision-and-spirit From January 12 – February 17. Daily from 10.30am–5pm (closed Tuesday and Sunday). Free
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