Lure of the Lepidopterist

Location

Country: Singapore
City: Singapore
Place: British High Commission

Like a moth to light, the eye is drawn to the colourful array of flowers in Jack Milroy’s still life. As evoked in the title, a lepidopterist is a butterfly or moth collector. The painting with its plain terracotta vase in the centre, revisits a longstanding tradition – notably the great Dutch flower paintings of the 17th century. Here Milroy has simplified the flowerheads to create a vibrant pattern of decorative forms. More generally, his practice encompasses the repurposing of materials – from illustrated books and posters, to maps and packaging – as a means to create artworks that blend elements of Surrealism, modern technology, Pop art, and the natural environment.

Jack Milroy was born in Glasgow and studied at Scarborough School of Art (1956–60) and at the Institute of Education, University of London (1960–61). He has lived and worked in London since 1961. His practice encompasses the repurposing of materials – from illustrated books and posters, to maps and packaging – as a means to create expansive, yet intricate, artworks. Elements of Surrealism, and references to modern technology, Pop art, and the natural environment are apparent in his work. His first solo exhibition was held at the Rotherham City Art Gallery in 1967 and his work has been subsequently shown both in Britain and the United States.

Places

Subjects

vase (as Subject), still life, petal, flower, butterfly

Materials & Techniques

acrylic (paint), canvas, acrylic painting

Artist

Jack Milroy (1938 - )

Title

Lure of the Lepidopterist

Date

1980

Medium

Acrylic on canvas

Dimensions

height: 183.00 cm, width: 147.00 cm

Acquisition

Purchased from Anne Berthoud Gallery, April 1981

Inscription

verso: 'LURE OF THE LEPIDOPTERIST' / JACK MILROY / 1980 / Milroy

GAC number

15180