Katherine Virgils studied painting in the UK followed by a Masters at the Royal College of Art, London. Soon after graduating she traveled to India and began a life long fascination with the Subcontinent often reflected in her work. She has explored Rajput culture, Mogul architecture, Rajasthani music and Nath Yoga. Recently attending the Kumbh Mela to observe contemporary Yogic Sadhus. Paying homage to India’s tangible and intangible heritage has led to a project on Yogis and another on musical instruments, helping highlight the rich but fragile paradox of Indian culture, here today but often endangered like the tigers in her early work.
Deeply Influenced by archeology and architecture her paintings on paper convey a narrative of magnificence as well as fragility. Reflections on the impermanence of past cultures have led to major shows on Mayan Ruins, hybrid Mogul Architecture and Byzantine iconography. Currently the beauty of Paleolithic Art, Yoga and World Music are themes in her painting.
Slow processes have been integral to her art and paper of every description have been her favourite medium for the past decade. She prepares and blends her paints, making unique colours from earth pigments and then layers the paint using many techniques. Finally burnishing the surface as practiced by miniaturists so that the work glows with rich intensity.
Katherine’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is held in both private and public collections.
SOLO
2016 The Infinite Lightness of Being Mehrangarh Fort Gallery Jodhpur
2016 The Infinite Lightness of Being Rebecca Hossack Gallery London
2004 Echos of Pilgrimage Holland Park Gallery London
1995 The Latitude of Ruins Jill George Gallery London
1994 Mexico Austin Texas
1989 Tales of Temples and Tigers Thumb Gallery London
1988 Moguls Myths and Miniatures Thumb Gallery London
1987 Spirit Syntax and Structure Thumb Gallery London
1984 Heads Faces and Elevations Camden Arts Center London
Group Exhibitions include:
International Art Fairs, The Makers Eye, New Contemporaries, Hayward Annual and The British Council, V&A as well as private galleries in Japan, Europe, and the USA.
Commissions and Public Collections Including:
Sir Terrance Conran,Sir Trevor Nunn, Louise Bourgeois, Sainsbury Collection, Contemporary Art Society, Glaxo Smith-Kline, Calvin Klein, Clifford Chance, Crafts Council Collection, Ishimaru International Japan, Lloyds of London, Prudential Insurance Company, and many private Collections around the world.
Her Work has appeared in many publications including Creative Review, Interiors, Vogue, Crafts, Art Monthly, Arts Review, Blue Print, Cosmopolitan, Guardian.