Dancing with Colour | Andrew Marr and Gillian Ayres

"For half a lifetime, Gillian has been my art hero.  I don't know why, but from the very first time I saw her work, something just clicked inside me and I thought - yes, yes of course. 

That makes putting my painting and drawing anywhere near hers, a disquieting and ambitious act."

- Andrew Marr

Andrew praises Gillian's artworks for their rich, radiant colour combinations and their ability to convey emotion through colour; both her paintings and prints are imbued with a remarkable sense of physicality and freedom, creating works that feel alive and immediate. This legacy is echoed in Andrew's practice, where it is explored and developed in exciting new directions.

"I've been in a kind of silent conversation with Gillian Ayres for years: she smiles, in my mind, when a colour combination or rhythm works well; she clearly if kindly rebukes me when it ain't. She pushes me to go further, be better, work harder. She is my talisman, teacher, holy book and spiritual, practical friend. Whether she would like or hate what I've been doing, she would say -  "keep going". I do keep going and I am proud to have my name anywhere near hers." 

- Andrew Marr