Thurso artist breaks the mould with pop surrealist collaboration

Thurso pop art portrait painter, Leah Davis, has joined forces with Black Isle surrealist, Michael Forbes, for an eccentric exhibition filled with energetic colours, and quirky concepts that celebrate expressing "your authentic self".

Thurso-born Leah, who now lives in Lossiemouth, recently graduated from Gray’s School of Art with a Master’s degree with Merit in Fine Art. She calls her work pop portraiture – an exciting blend of traditional portraiture with pop art, pop surrealism and pop culture.

Talking about the up-and-coming exhibition, Leah said: “It's an honour to exhibit alongside Michael, as he is not only one of my favourite artists but the biggest anarchist I know. On top of that, exhibiting in a gallery that has previously showcased the work of the legendary artist, John Byrne, is just incredible. Thanks to Moray Art Centre for this wonderful opportunity."

Leah says that her previous work explored her "thoughts, dreams and life experiences" but she recently felt herself being pulled in a new direction. "This body of work explores those who have accompanied me on my crazy life journey.

"I have been affectionately exploring our relationships and their individual personas. I'm interested to see how our relationship may change when they become my model, and how they may also see themselves differently once their image is the focus.”

This is her first body of work since graduating and comprises a series of never-before-seen oil paintings, which will be unveiled at the opening event on April 8. She exhibited a number of times during her student years, including KEEP Contemporary Gallery in Santa Fe, and a solo show at Upstairs Gallery, Inverness.

Leah describes her work as an "empowering adventure" and a bold and colourful mixed media autobiography that illustrates her journey from "misunderstood small-town girl to finding her authentic self". She explains that she is here to empower others on their own journey of self-discovery.

The young artist is also a member of the Society of Caithness Artists whose chair Ian Pearson said: "Leah is a regular exhibitor at our annual shows and her unique style expressed through her work which acknowledges her Caithness influences, has found favour with visitors throughout the years. The Society has witnessed several artists throughout its history develop their artistic careers to be recognised on the world stage and Leah is definitely one of them.” More info on Leah Davis can be found at: www.leahdavis.co.uk

Michael Forbes is an almost entirely self-taught pop surrealist artist from the Black Isle. He worked as an assistant to pop artist Gerald Laing in his youth, from whom he “learned more from than any art school education could provide".

Michael’s paintings are an "extraordinary visual record" of his thoughts and dreams and shows a "magical and playful, dream-like world laced with humour and pop culture". His celebrity fans include Ricky Gervais and Terry Gilliam, who are both collectors. Michael was selected to paint the Millennium poster for the London Underground, which is on show at the Museum of London Transport.

A Chip Off The Old Pop – Highland Artists Who Break The Mould has a preview night on April 8 at the Moray Art Centre in Findhorn from 5pm until 7.30pm. All are welcome at the free event.

The exhibition then runs until April 30 and the gallery is open from Friday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm.

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