Review from Press & Journal July 21 2005
A figurative painter working mainly in oil Catriona Millar’s June degree show at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen was a sell-out. Critically and publicly acclaimed it was hailed as one of the highlights so it’s hardly surprising we should find her exhibiting at the Rendezvous Gallery.
A small-scale introductory exhibition of paintings and studies entitled ‘Take Ten’ opens today, and features seven stunning small studies and three defining paintings including the magnificent ‘Wedding Day’.
However, every picture boasts the artist’s uniquely refreshing trademark mix of colour, mischief and burlesque.
It has already been said that Catriona’s work ‘possesses an alchemical narrative’ and just a few moments in the company of these high-energy, figures and you can sense the magic, the boldness and the truthfulness behind them.
Each character is alive with sharp draughtsmanship, yet they inhabit a different, somehow familiar world. The artist herself is right through these pictures, sacrificed in a bravura display of colour and form that is as compelling as it is enigmatic. In short, they are feats of daring.
Catriona Millar introductory exhibition runs at the Rendezvous Gallery in Aberdeen ’s Forest Road and should not be missed.