Celia Paul’s paintings have an otherworldly, haunting quality. She makes intimate depictions of people and places she knows well. She has made no commissioned portraits; her portrayals of people exclusively feature close family members and friends. From 1977-2007 Paul worked on a series of paintings of her mother, and since then she has concentrated on her four sisters, especially her sister Kate, as well as a number of portraits of close friends. She has also produced a large number of evocative self-portraits over the course of her career.
In addition to her portraits, Paul has made detailed studies of landscapes and interiors, again focusing on the environment she knows best. She has made numerous studies of her studio, and has also painted the central London landmarks visible from its windows, including the British Museum and the BT Tower (previously known as the Post Office Tower). Paul’s work is quiet, contemplative and ultimately moving in its profound attention to detail and deeply-felt spirituality.
Paul’s work has been exhibited worldwide and is included in the public collections of British Museum, London; Metropolitan Museum, New York; National Portrait Gallery, London; and Victoria and Albert Museum, London, among others.
[excerpted from Victoria Miro website]