Jean Gibson facts for kids

Jean Gibson (1927–1991) was a talented British artist. She was famous for creating unique sculptures that looked abstract. This means her art didn't show things exactly as they appear in real life. Instead, she used shapes, forms, and colors to express ideas or feelings. She often used cool materials like resin, fiberglass, and a clear plastic called perspex for her artworks.

Becoming an Artist

Jean Gibson was born in Stoke-on-Trent in England in 1927. She loved art and decided to study it further. First, she went to the Wimbledon School of Art in London. After that, she continued her studies at the famous Royal College of Art (RCA) from 1954 to 1957.

Learning and Growing

While at the RCA, Jean met another artist named Anthony Whishaw. He would later become her husband. Jean was a very good student and even won a special scholarship. This scholarship allowed her to travel to Italy, which is a country famous for its art and history. This trip likely helped her develop her own artistic style.

Exhibitions and Public Art

Jean Gibson's art became well-known. She took part in many group exhibitions with a famous art group called the London Group. These shows allowed many people to see her work alongside other artists.

Solo Shows and Recognition

Jean also had her very own art shows, called solo exhibitions. Her first one was in 1965 at the Leicester Galleries. She had a second solo show at the same gallery in 1969. Later, she had more exhibitions at the Oxford Gallery in 1974 and the Nicola Jacobs Gallery in 1981.

New Materials and Royal Academy

In 1977, Jean Gibson started making reliefs on canvas. A relief is a type of sculpture where the shapes stick out from a flat background. She began working with canvas because she developed an allergy to the resin she used in her sculptures. From 1978 until she passed away in 1991, Jean's artworks were regularly shown at the annual Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. This is a very important art event in London.

Art for Public Spaces

Jean Gibson also received special requests, known as commissions, to create art for public places. She made two relief panels for a large ship called the Oriana. She also created art for the Commonwealth Institute in London in 1976 and for the Tel Aviv Museum in 1976. These commissions meant her art could be enjoyed by many people in different parts of the world.

Later Life and Legacy

Later in her life, Jean Gibson shared her artistic knowledge. She taught sculpture lessons to the well-known fashion designer Nicole Farhi. They worked together in the London studio that Jean shared with her husband, Anthony Whishaw.

Joint Exhibition

Even after Jean passed away, her art continued to be celebrated. In 2018, a special exhibition was held at the Canwood Gallery and Sculpture Park. This show featured artworks by both Jean Gibson and her husband, Anthony Whishaw, allowing new generations to appreciate their talents.