Denzil Forrester

Born in Grenada in 1956 and moved to London in 1967. He has lived in Truro since 2016 where his studio is situated.  He completed his BA Honours at Central School of Art & Design and his MA at the Royal College of Art. He received the the British School at Rome scholarship in 1983-85 and the Harkness Fellowship in New York in 1986-88. He was awarded the MBE in 2020.

His work can be found in the collections of Tate, Arts Council, UK Government Art & Long Museum, Shanghai, amongst others.  Forrester has been affiliated with the Stephen  Friedman Gallery, London & New York since 2019. His work is known for his coverage of the reggae clubs of the 1980's: his vibrant use of colour & his gesture drawings made to the duration of a record in various dance halls.  His painting also includes his early life & influences whilst in Grenada.

Denzil Forrester is one of the guest speakers for our Symposium Q and A weekend, filmed as part of our '100 Mentors' online course.

Photograph: Sean Drakes/Getty Images - Denzil Forrester at a solo show of his work in New York, 2016.