Michael G Clark PAI, RSW

A Tale of 2 Cities

17 September – 22 October 2016

Private view: 16 September 5.00pm – 7.30pm

Paris Hotel Interior, St Germain, Oil on Linen, 41 x 41 cm

Ann Street, Edinburgh, Oil on Linen, 41 x 30 cm

Doubtfire Gallery is delighted to present a completely new body of work from Ayrshire based artist Michael

G Clark.

Following on from 3 previous successful solo exhibitions with Doubtfire, this one explores the beauty and

synergy between two great cities – Edinburgh and Paris. Architecture, interiors, café culture, classic style

and joie de vivre are all touched in Clark’s accomplished and heart-warming style. Choosing a measured,

muted colour palette and calming, stripped down style – whether it be a bistro interior, café scene, looking

out from a terrace to an urban landscape, or a perfect little black dress in a shop window – he reflects a

gentle rendering of the love of these simple scenes and objects. He elevates them into the most appealing

works of art, chiefly oil on linen, with some works on paper.

Michael graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1983 and he has always enjoyed the best of what

these two cities had to offer.

‘I worked Saturdays and holidays in Jenners department store where I was fascinated by the fashion,

fabric and traditions of this Edinburgh icon. Most of my money was spent in The Edinburgh Wine Bar on

Hanover Street: good wine served in a bar was rare then, even in Edinburgh. I fell in love with Georgian

Edinburgh and I loved the alleyways and closes of the old town.’

He visited Paris for the first time in 1980, walking for miles, drinking in the atmosphere and enjoying the

cafés and the streets – the different iconography the city had to offer – and he has returned every year.

‘Right from that first visit,’ he recalls, ‘Paris provided a romantic vision which, having grown up in a small

town in the west of Scotland, had a lasting impact on me. Evoking memories of Bonnard, Doisneau,

Picasso and the ambience of the bars and cafés, it seemed pretty near perfect. It was a celebration of

living.’

When Michael’s wife Karen went back to work after looking after their three young children, she took a

position with Visual Arts Scotland. The monthly meetings were in Edinburgh and he would often drive

through to collect Karen. On these and more recent visits to the Capital, the prospect of producing a series

of paintings expressing his love for two of the cities which so inspired him was always intriguing.

A Tale of 2 Cities fulfils that ambition in some style.

‘I first exhibited with Doubtfire Gallery in 2012. Of course, the very name Doubtfire connected me back to

my Edinburgh of 30 years ago when vintage meant ‘second hand’ and Madame Doubtfire's musty shop

was shared with countless cats. Doubtfire is now a clean modern space with no cats, just great art, a

friendly ambience and welcoming staff.’

Gallery Director, David Frame comments ‘This exhibition brings together not only some of the finest

aspects of the two cities which were so inspirational and formative for Michael, but also a stunning series of

canvasses which show some of his finest work to date.’

For further information: David Frame or Jane Muir, art@doubtfiregallery.com

Doubtfire Gallery, 3 South East Circus Place, Edinburgh EH3 6TJ.

Opening hours Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 12 noon – 5pm.

www.doubtfiregallery.com