Charles Avery

Untitled

About this artwork

Charles Avery creates his drawings of enigmatic groups of figures by starting from one area of the body, often a nose, and working outwards from there until a character is created. Each subsequent figure is created in reaction to the previous one until a narrative begins to emerge. Avery puts most detail into the faces and hands of his figures, as he views these as vital for expression. The left-hand edge of this drawing reveals that it has been neatly removed from a spiral-bound pad. However, this is not a preparatory sketch for a painting, as Avery views drawing as important in its own right and uses it as a way to encourage the viewer to interact. He explains, 'Drawing puts much more trust in the viewer. Drawing is a form of writing, it’s a telling medium and people get involved in it.'

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Charles Avery (born 1973) Scottish
  • title:
    Untitled
  • date created:
    2002
  • materials:
    Pencil on paper
  • measurements:
    41.90 x 59.20 cm (framed: 54.00 x 71.50 x 3.20 cm)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased (Knapping Fund) 2003
  • accession number:
    GMA 4673
  • gallery:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Charles Avery

Charles Avery