Deborah Poynton creates work that encourages us to contemplate the interplay between our perceptions of reality and the painted surface. She reminds us of the act of seeing, and the devices and pictorial references which have invariably been consciously assembled within the image to create a desired meaning and effect.

Rather than the narratives and expressive emotions that are often emphasised when looking at figurative and landscape paintings, Poynton prompts us to look at the fiction of an image that resembles realism. She writes:

“The paintings I’ve done for this exhibition remind me of my favourite paintings and favourite tales. They are mannered. I have used a few well-worn formulas, a little romanticism, some classical poses, the drama of light and colour.

In spite of this mildly distasteful posturing, I believe completely and passionately in my fictions, my pictures, and wish to touch and entrance you with them. I hope they are beautiful in spite of their beauty, so to speak.” [1]