Soft Forms

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Government Art Collection

Soft Forms is an example of Brian Ballard’s early work which is significantly different in style to the type of painting he makes today. His arrangement of abstract forms against a background resembles a metal grid or cage, creating a collage-like effect. The indistinguishable ‘soft forms’ of the title seem to float ephemerally in front of the repetitive pattern of the grid beneath that makes a visual contrast between both.

Brian Ballard was born in Belfast, where he first trained in art at the College of Art, followed by further study in Liverpool. Some of the first group exhibitions that he participated in were the Butlin Foundation for Young Irish Artists, held at the Arts Council Gallery, Belfast in 1967 and Seven North of Ireland Painters at David Hendrick’s Gallery, Dublin in 1969. His first solo exhibition was held at the Queen’s Gallery, Belfast in 1970. Today Ballard’s paintings have become more figurative in style, focusing on still life, figure studies and landscapes. He lives and works on the remote island of Inishfree off the coast of Donegal, where the natural environment and light provide him with great sources of inspiration. Since the1970s he has continued to exhibit regularly in Belfast, Dublin, Galway, London and Bath. Works by Ballard are represented in numerous public and corporate art collections including the Ulster Museum, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the National Trust and the Irish Intercontinental Bank.

Places

Subjects

abstract

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

Brian Ballard (1943 - )

Title

Soft Forms

Date

1972

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 137.00 cm, width: 137.00 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from the artist, December 1977

Inscription

titled, signed & dated verso

GAC number

13527