About
The Art of memory and Time
Ian Robertson is a contemporary British artist whose work explores the relationship between memory, perception, and place. Based in East London Ian creates paintings that contain the physicality of direct experience, capturing the tension between what is seen and what is felt. His work is rooted in direct observation, and not questioning response to place and events.
​
Driven by a lifelong interest in how we engage with our environment, The paintings are evocative and expressive with a rigorous underlying conceptual element. Whether drawing on landscapes, architecture, or the subtle interplay of light on surface, his work invites viewers into a space of reflection — a sensory world shaped by sensation, memory and desire.
Artistic Influences
IRobertson was born in Scotland and trained at the Edinburgh College of Art. At that time 1970 Edinburgh School of Art provided a strong education based on drawing and the acquisition of technical skills.
An early meeting however with the artist Joseph Beuys at Strategy: Get Arts organised by Richard Demarco provided an introduction to a range of German artists that included Gerard Richter, Blicky Palermo, and Gunther Uecker.
This meeting provided an opportunity to engage with a wider range of questions in relation to arts direction and scope. A summer spent on a John Minton Scholarship to the USA also introduced the work of Eva Hesse, Robert Morris and Barnet Newman. On returning to the UK Robertson held his first one man show at the London Guildhall University’s Gallery where these influences could be felt.
The Art of memory and Time
Ian’s work has been exhibited internationally, with solo and group exhibitions in London, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Edinburgh, among others.
A notable series titled Re-Cycling Time was exhibited in both the UK and Japan, and his commissioned works include a 25-painting series for Scottish Widows.
His paintings are held in private collections in the USA, Europe, and Japan.
