COOKEVILLE – The work of artist George Dawnay will be featured in Tennessee Tech’s Joan Derryberry Art Gallery Sept. 20 through Oct. 21, with a gallery talk by the artist scheduled for Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Dawnay was born in London, England in 1970. His mother Adrian Dawnay was an artist, painting mainly murals and portraits, who gave him art lessons consistently.
He studied in Italy for four years before getting a job as an assistant to the mural painter Alexander Hamilton.
Dawney moved to San Francisco in 2000 and currently lives and has his studio in Chattanooga. He also does mural and portrait painting.
He is “known” for the Blue Indigo he often draws in, but he works in a number of different mediums, mainly painting and drawing.
Dawnay is a figurative painter. His work references anecdote and narrative themes and styles. His primary influences are the high renaissance “mannerists” Pontormo, Bronzino and Rosso Fiorentino.
Dawnay’s commissioned work includes such names as John Paul Getty of London, the Princess of Corsini and the Duke of Gloucester.
He spent four years at the Florence Academy of Art. The last of those years he worked in and around Florence renovating frescoes. Dawnay has apprenticed with Odd Nerdum, Alexander Hamilton, Charles Weed and local artist Cessna Decosimo.
This exhibit and event are sponsored by the Center Stage series, admission to Center Stage events is free unless otherwise noted.
Center Stage events are paid by student fees and open to the public with priority seating given to students. Many guests provide additional educational opportunities for students through workshops or master classes during their residencies. Email or call Liz Kassera, Center Stage coordinator for more information at lkassera@tentech.edu or (931) 372-3637.
The Joan Derryberry Art gallery is located in the Roaden University Center at 1000 N. Dixie Ave.
