Christabel Blackburn is a London-based artist whose work involved exploration via minimalist techniques.
After graduating from University of Newcastle Upon Tyne with a degree in classics, Blackburn quickly shifted to more creative endeavours. She studied at Charles Cecil Studios before attending LARA to study Figurative Painting and Sculpture. Following a decade of painting, Blackburn chose to focus on the relationship between people and their surroundings. A multitude of settings can be seen across Christabel’s diverse portfolio, from empty gallery studios to streetscapes. In these scenes, Blackburn highlights concealed feelings and motifs.
“Blackburn creates a duality between what might be read as calm, ordered and quiet with what can also be seen as a portrait of the alienation and disillusionment of contemporary existence.” - Kate Bryan (2022)
Through the use of muted and understated tones and colours, the audience is able to better understand the painting’s figures. Despite the range of settings of her practice, each work highlights the figure's state of illusion, deeply absorbed within their own world and surroundings.
Inspired by Philip-Lorca di Corcia’s photography, Blackburn finds interest in capturing ordinary, candid moments. Blackburn also admits to being an ‘avid people watcher’, a trait that can be seen to be embodied within her collection. Her work goes beyond everyday life, offering narratives that reflect society and the way we live.
With her minimalist style, Christabel invites viewers to immerse themselves in her paintings, where every brushstroke conveys the silent dialogue between humanity and its surroundings. This approach allows each viewer to re-invent the artwork.
“Despite the artist's minimalist approach to form, Blackburn handles paint in such a way as to create rhythm and a quiet kind of texture on the surface” - The Gillian Jason Gallery discusses Blackburn’s skillful technique and approach to her art
Christabel Blackburn has exhibited across the United Kingdom, most recently alongside David Hockney at ‘Art Untamed’ in Notting Hill, London. In 2020 she was awarded the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.
Bridgeman Editions is excited to exclusively offer Blackburn’s, ‘Oh California’ (2023), Archival Digital Print on Hahnemühle German etching paper. This print is available both framed and unframed and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Discover Christabel Blackburn’s collection today.