MARK LAWRENCE - BIOGRAPHY
Mark Lawrence (b. 1968 Edinburgh, Scotland) studied MA Fine Art at University of East London (2009-10); BA Fine Art (Hons) Grays School of Art, Aberdeen (1990-94); PGDE Art & Design Secondary Education, The University of Edinburgh 2018.
Mark’s work plays out between realism, portraiture and landscape and utilises the illusory nature of oil paint to manufacture pseudo-mythological moments, psychological portrayals and once-hidden places. He is interested in the external influence of context, place and myth on our metaphysical lives and our identities.
His work has been influenced by Renaissance Art, Dadaism and Existential philosophy and can be found in private collections in the UK and abroad.
Major Group exhibitions include The BP Portrait Award 2018, The Scottish Portrait Awards 2017, The Royal Scottish Academy Open Exhibition 2017 & 2016, Visual Arts Scotland 'Converge' 2016 exhibition, Royal West of England Academy Open Exhibition 2015 (Winner - Loxley Painting Prize),
Curwen Gallery Prize for Figurative Painting 2014, Lynn Painter Stainers Prize 2014, Jerwood Drawing Prize 2011, and the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition 2011.
Mark has experience of planning and delivering art workshops to disabled adults, culminating in the exhibitions 'This That One Another' in partnership with Newham Council and shown at their headquarters, 1000 Dockside (2010); and 'Circus Art' in partnership with and shown at Stratford Circus, East London (2008).
He was commisioned by Refugee Week to film and direct documentaries for The Sierra Leone War Trust and Hammersmith & Fulham Refugee Forum shown in various London venues (2006). His film documenting social care users' lives 'Supported Living' was screened at Whitechapel Art Gallery, London (2005).
As an Arts Outreach Worker he has supported marginalised and disabled adults in sound art 'White Noise Black Shadows' (2005) and the film 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' (2004) in partnership with and exhibited at Whitechapel Art Gallery, London.
Earlier selected group exhibitions include The New Generation Show, Compass Gallery, Glasgow (1994); Royal Scottish Academy Annual Student Exhibition (Robert Gordon Memorial Prizewinner), Royal Scottish Academy Galleries, Edinburgh (1994).
He currently teaches Art & Design in secondary education, whilst continuing with his artistic practises.