Howson, Peter
Peter Howson is a prominent Scottish painter, in 1958, in London, England. Known for his compelling and often unsettling depictions of human figures, Howson's work delves into themes of strength, vulnerability, and the human condition.
Howson moved to Glasgow with his family in his childhood. He showed an early aptitude for art and eventually enrolled in the Glasgow School of Art, where he studied from 1975 to 1977 and then from 1979 to 1981. During his time at the Glasgow School of Art, he developed a distinctive style influenced by the likes of artists such as Gustave Doré and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Howson first gained significant recognition in the 1980s as part of the "New Glasgow Boys," a group of artists who brought renewed attention to figurative painting. His works are characterised by their intense, often muscular representations of people, reflecting the struggles and stark realities of working-class life.
In the early 1990s, Howson was appointed as the official war artist for the Bosnian Civil War, a role that profoundly influenced his work. The harrowing experiences and scenes he witnessed during the conflict led to a series of powerful and haunting paintings.
Howson's paintings often feature exaggerated, almost grotesque figures, which serve to explore complex emotional and psychological states. His use of dark, bold colours and dramatic compositions adds to the intensity of his works. Themes of conflict, both internal and external, as well as human suffering and resilience, are central to his oeuvre.
Howson has faced significant personal challenges, including battles with mental health issues and addiction. These struggles have influenced his art, contributing to its raw and emotive power. His candidness about his personal issues has also earned him respect and admiration beyond the art world.
In recent years, Howson has continued to produce thought-provoking and impactful art. He has exhibited widely, both in the UK and internationally, and his work is held in numerous prestigious collections, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Peter Howson remains a significant figure in contemporary art, known for his unflinching portrayal of the human condition and his ability to convey deep emotional truths through his powerful visual language.