Iain Faulkner

Iain Faulkner

Iain Faulkner, who was born in Glasgow in 1973, was raised and educated there. Iain Faulkner, who graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1996, obtained a BA (Honours) Degree in Fine Art.

Iain Faulkner did not choose the fashionable and trendy routes of contemporary and conceptual art like many of his peers throughout his professional career. Iain Faulkner, instead of opting for an easier route, decided to pursue the challenging path of figurative painting, where one can assess and evaluate competence, draughtsmanship, and painterly skills in a straightforward and precise manner, with all flaws acknowledged.

At the age of twenty-nine, his relatively short career has resulted in a considerable measure of success, with his last four shows in London and New York selling out. This clearly indicates the public’s appreciation and interest in his work.
Faulkner’s paintings focus on visually impactful portrayals of strong and powerful images, often without any accompanying narrative.

These moments captured are calm and contemplative, characterized by intimate exchanges, solitude, and occasionally melancholy. Their resonance is heightened through the use of chiaroscuro. Faulkner’s use of this technique produces a distinct contrast between the light source and the frequently dark tonality present in his artworks.

A sense of inner-reflection is conveyed by the stillness present in everyday themes. The formality of his self-engrossed young characters accentuates this, further emphasized by the use of light and shadows to reinforce their emotional detachment.
Included for the first time in a Faulkner show, his charcoal drawings serve as evidence of his skill in drawing and his understanding and recognition of the crucial significance of drawing and tone control. Additionally, they provide insight into his creative process by uncovering layers of paint.