Ray Waterhouse and Modern Fine Art proudly announce the arrival of acclaimed British artist Edward Povey to New York, marking a milestone in Waterhouse’s 40-year gallery career. This exhibition isn’t just another art show; it’s a rare glimpse into the profound artistic soul of a masterful creator. Povey, a recent addition to Waterhouse’s gallery stable in 2021, swiftly rose to become one of its premier artists.
Edward Povey, British b. 1951. Tempête, 2023. Modelling courtesy of the New Orleans model Katie Overmier. Oil on Belgian linen, 47 1/4 x 55 1/4 in 120 x 140.3 cm (75618) ©
For over 20 months, Povey has toiled diligently in his Devon, England studio, crafting a collection of 12 canvases that Waterhouse describes as “extraordinary in their complexity, rich in symbolism, and laden with the depths of human experience.” Povey himself labels his style as “Emotional Realism,” a fitting description for the meticulous portrayal of his subjects and the intense emotions they convey.
Povey’s art is deeply rooted in his own life experiences, stemming from a turbulent childhood as the son of a volatile seaman. Waterhouse notes that Povey’s work allows us to share in his profound awareness of life’s beauty, vulnerability, and the indomitable human spirit.
Edward Povey, born in London in 1951, began his artistic journey as an only child, immersed in painting, prose, and music. His formal education spanned drawing, psychology, and painting. He initially gained recognition as a muralist, with the BBC capturing his creation of 25 large-scale murals.
A pivotal move to Grenada for seven years provided him the space to explore smaller paintings, attracting the attention of American collectors. In 1991, he exhibited alongside 20th-century American masters in John Whitney Payson’s New York gallery. His art has now graced exhibitions in seven countries and earned a place in prominent institutions like The National Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in Wales, in addition to numerous private and corporate collections. In 2018, The British Library archived his illustrious career for the British nation.
