Biography

Rebecca Ivatts was born in Cambridge in 1972. After graduating in Modern Languages (BA) from Oxford University and Hispanic Studies (MA) from the University of London, Rebecca studied objective life drawing and painting at the Slade School of Art London and anatomy at the Princes Drawing School. Subsequently, she took classes in expressive life drawing with two tutors from the Royal College of Art. Rebecca has studios in both the UK and Spain and has a number of works in private collections in both countries.

The human figure - as a subject of great power, strength and dynamism - has always been central to my work. My paintings are underpinned by draftsmanship but expressivity takes precedence over realism. To maximize the presence and immediacy of my figures, I work on large formats.

Recent series of work range from textured gold explorations of movement; large "constructed bodies" in red oils; and a Guantanamo Diptych, whose impact (and fluorescent background) is a statement on the controversial US detention centre in Cuba. Continuing my love of the human form, I have also made large colour studies of the rheumatoid arthritic hands of my godfather.

Inspired by Big Bang theories, cosmology and quantum physics, I am currently working on a series of “Dark Matter” and “Cosmic” paintings which attempt to find a visual synthesis between the figure and the cosmic context. For these, I am also making use of resources at the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge University.