My strongest response is to shape. As I walk about London, my eye is often caught by shapes, especially shapes that I see on the pavement - it might be a bright leaf in a dark puddle, or a crushed sweet wrapping or a cracked paving stone. A shape or juxtaposition of shapes that I see by chance can seem to acquire an intensity or visual significance. I have come to see that what Francis Bacon said is right: 'All shapes have an emotional implication'.
These found shapes become the starting points for my paintings and prints. As I work in my studio, the shapes might change scale, their colours might transform, their contours might become stronger or weaker. During this process I hope to learn what the shapes and their relationships mean metaphorically to me.
Eleanor Engle
ART EDUCATION
Born 18 February 1959, London
Foundation Course, Central School of Art and Design (now Central Saint Martins), 1977-8
Fine Art (Painting), B.A Hons, Central School of Art and Design, 1983-86
Advanced Studies in Printmaking, Central School of Art and Design, 1986-89
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 'Small Talk’, North London Collegiate School
2014 ‘Slow Slow Quick Quick Slow’, North and South Gallery, London
2010 ‘In Your Own Time’, Woburn Gallery, London
2005 ‘Flying Start’, Woburn Gallery, London
2001 ‘Two’s a Crowd', Seven Seven Gallery, London
1996 ‘Inner Ear’, Royal College of Pathologists, London
1992 ‘Looking Down instead of Along’, Wolfson College, Oxford
1991 ‘Encounter with Apple Core’, Islington Arts Factory, London
1987 ‘Half Out’, Square Gallery, London
1982 ‘Spare Paintings’, Clare College, Cambridge
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2010 Crash Open Salon Show, Charlie Dutton Gallery, London
2008 ArtSway Open 08, Sway, New Forest
2007 ‘Made 07’, Morley College, London
2006 New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham , Surrey
2005 Five Artists from the Central School of Art, London
2003 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London
2002 ‘Small Paintings, Nine Artists’, Seven Seven Gallery, London
2000 North London Collegiate School Sesquicentenary, Mall Galleries, London
1997 Beardsmore Gallery, London
1996 ‘Shelf Life 2’, Eagle Gallery, London
1995 ‘Threadlines’, Harriet Green Gallery, London
1994 John Jones Open, selected by Prunella Clough, London
1994 ‘Open Door 94’, selected by Jennifer Durrant, London
1994 ‘Shelf Life’, Eagle Gallery, London
1993 ‘Miniprints’, London Print Workshop, London
1992 The London Group Open Exhibition, Barbican Concourse, London
1990 Open Print Exhibition, Bankside Gallery, London
1989 Works on Paper, Blenheim Gallery, London
1988 ‘Open to Print’, Square Gallery, London
1986 London Institute ‘Class of 86’, Royal Festival Hall, London
PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
The Tavistock Centre, London
New Hall Art Collection, Cambridge