Born in Edinburgh, Stephen Mangan studied at Duncan of Jordanstone Art College, Dundee. In the years since completing his studies, he has established himself as one of the most distinctive figurative artists in Scottish contemporary painting.
Inspired by atmospheric locations and the individuals that inhabit them, Stephen’s work seems to exist in another time and place. Best known for his scenes of race courses, beaches, fairgrounds and theatres, his work casts a unique light on these bustling locales. He often highlights individuals caught in moments of contemplation, introspection and even melancholy.
Stephen works in oils, using this robust medium to create bold canvases. This is underpinned by a masterful utilisation of geometry within his compositions. There is an elegant stillness to these scenes emphasised by his almost effortless skill in deploying chiaroscuro shading techniques to bolster the emotional atmosphere. The ambiguities in Stephen’s work invite a great deal of interpretation from viewers, giving them an irresistible and inimitable allure.
Stephen’s exhibition – Still Life – opens at Morningside Gallery on the 5th of March. The full exhibition catalogue can be viewed here. Further information about the artist and this exhibition can be found here.
