Fiona Debell

Bold and avant-garde, Fiona’s work is defined by her uncommon use of colour, instinctive application, and prolific creative output. Inspired by artists such as Rothko and Frankenthaler, her first visit to the Tate Modern Rothko Room as an 18-year-old created such a strong emotional response she became determined to create expressive, emotive art, in the hope that one day she too would evoke such a feeling in others. It has happened many times over the years. Self-taught, over the past two decades Fiona has developed an encyclopedic understanding of paint, product, and application, culminating in her current body of work. Creating horizontally, often utilizing the floor of her studio, allows her to attain a 360-degree perspective, moving around each piece as it develops. When she is satisfied that the art will bring about a strong reaction in the viewer she knows it is complete.

Artist Statement:

"'MY GOAL IS TO CREATE ‘ART THAT MAKES YOU FEEL’.

With every artwork, I strive to create an instinctive response in the viewer. I have an incredibly visceral, almost physical reaction to colour, meaning that any palette I choose is essentially a reflection of my own emotional state in the moment of application. 

Whilst I am the master of my palette, the final artwork is dictated through the coalescing of opposing colours or hues. In every piece there is restraint. My instinct for colour combining is directly reflected on my canvas. I paint emotion and fight the constant urge to fill the entire substrate. Sometimes I succeed. Negative space features heavily in many of my finished pieces.

My intention is to create beauty that intrigues and can be interpreted in a multitude of ways."