GOUROCK, Scotland, Oct. 31, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A special celebration of the life and work of the late Scottish artist Hugh Farren will highlight the painter's life and artistic style, developed through the 50 years he dedicated to his passion.
Taking place at the Greenock Art Club in Gourock from November 2nd-10th, the highly anticipated exhibition is guaranteed to interest Scotish art enthusiasts.
Hugh was in the process of planning the first-ever public exhibition of his work, spanning 50 years, when he died on May 8th, six days short of his 80th birthday. This exhibition now provides a unique opportunity to know the work of an artist blessed with one of the most distinctive painting signatures on the art scene.
Throughout the exhibition there will be opportunities to buy selected paintings, and Hugh's life will be celebrated through photographs, and a timeline of his work, highlighting his artistic development and sources of inspiration.
Drawn from Greenock, the coastal town in which he was born in 1939, many of Hugh's paintings pay tribute to the fishing community, including oil paintings of fishermen out at sea enduring harsh conditions.
His imbued nationalist sense is also evident throughout his work, as are the health problems he endured in later life, which inspired some of his most detailed paintings about the humanity and the 'game of life' as he put it.
Hugh, who often cited Goya and Japanese art as some of his main influences, had a unique and distinctive style. Many of his paintings have elements of abstraction, but all have deep meanings behind them. They were intended to reflect society and human nature, giving an almost humorous insight into modern life.
Developing a love for painting from an early age, Hugh left school at 15 to train as a painter and decorator. But he always wanted to follow his passion and be an artist, so in 1974, at 35, he enrolled himself into Gray's School of Art, at Robert Gordon University (RGU), to pursue his dream.
Some of his early work is held in the University Art & Heritage Collection where it is enjoyed by students beginning their creative journey. The work can be seen via Art UK's website.
In addition to creating work, Hugh moved into teaching and was a lecturer at Gray's before returning home where he taught art in various schools in Glasgow and Greenock, as well as the James Watt College. But in 1990, at 51, he was forced to quit work after suffering two heart attacks; however, he continued to paint and did so at home every day for the rest of his life.
Hugh also struck up a bond with Clydeview Academy, where he mentored sixth year students. Indeed, students from the Academy will pay homage to their former mentor on the opening day of the exhibition, and among them will be his great-niece Sophie Arhimandritis, who is following in her uncle's footsteps by studying advanced higher art and design.
"This is a unique opportunity to view the life and work of painter Hugh Farren; an opportunity to survey the creative path he has taken," said George Cheyne, of RGU Art and Heritage.
"His work is elegant and inspiring, created by an alumnus of Gray's School of Art, whose work reflected his creative ideals, and is deserving of greater recognition. Hugh lived true to his values, and never chased either profit or fame. A gift."
The exhibition in his honour will take place at the Greenock Art Club which is located at the Stables Studio, Broomberry Drive, Gourock and will be open from noon to 5pm, Monday-Friday and between 11am and 5pm at weekends.
SOURCE Hugh Farren
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