Ken Currie: Details of a Journey

by Tom Normand, Ken Currie

Ken Currie is recognised as one of the most provocative and challenging of contemporary artists. His paintings are renowned for the complex, sometimes terrifying, world they depict. Throughout his career his work has engaged a wide range of social questions, political issues, and intellectual debates. These theoretical concerns are filtered though a dedicated investigation of the medium of paint and the unique qualities of visual experience. With these characteristics he has created an art that is awe-inspiring and enlightening.
In this new study the art historian Tom Normand presents an analysis of the subtle developments in Currie's painting supported by over 80 images. Proceeding from an exploration of Currie's realism, he examines the apocalyptic and existential components of his art. The underlying themes and subjects are opened out to reveal an artist at the height of his powers who produces evocative images entirely relevant to the modern world.

Genres: Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

Tom Normand was educated in Dunfermline, and subsequently took a degree in Sociology and Politics at Glasgow College. His doctoral thesis, in the Sociology of Culture, wass taken at Durham University. He has taught ant Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, and, since 1982, has lectured in the History of Art at the University of St. Andrews. He has published widely on the history of art, with a special interest in developments in art and photography in Scotland. He has lectured, nationally and internationally, on Scottish art, culture and society.