Ian Davenport

Ian Davenport (b.1966) is an abstract painter recognised for his complex colour compositions and whose work is informed by a deep understanding and enjoyment of his materials. His various means of execution are driven by a desire to investigate the paradox between control and chance.

His digital creation for Fantasies of Exhibition Road has provoked new thought about the idea of colour as a ‘positive force’ and the influence it can have on emotional wellbeing.

During this project, Davenport has engaged in discussion with the scientist Dr Martina Di Simplicio who is based at the Centre for Psychiatry, Brain Sciences Division at Imperial College London. Within this digital work and the creation of this fantasy image, Davenport has focused on the idea of the rainbow, especially as a contemporary image of our time.

Davenport studied at Goldsmiths' College of Art in London and was nominated for the Turner Prize in 1991. His work has been exhibited internationally, and is included in many public collections such as the Tate, London; Centre Pompidou, Paris; and the Dallas Museum of Art, Texas. Davenport has exhibited internationally over the past two decades, and in 2018 held a major solo exhibition at Dallas Contemporary, Texas. Davenport’s first extensive monograph was published by Thames and Hudson in 2014. His monumental painting Giardini Colourfall, a single painting spanning 45 feet, was featured within the Giardini of the 57th Venice Biennale, 2017.