From death to life

The weather continues to disappoint. Yesterday it rained most of the day and, although today's forecast was better, it rained again on and off. And the temperature hovered around 4C. We'd been planning to see the exhibition of Peter Howson's latest work, which is currently on show near here at the Maclaurin Gallery in Ayr. So, today seemed destined to be the occasion.

The gallery was busy - testament to the interest in and admiration of Howson's unique style. His work is powerful, sometimes overpowering, often delicate, disturbing, complex and simple, funny and profound. This exhibition of almost 100 drawings and paintings includes religious works, for which Howson is well known. There are also some depicting characters from the poems of Robert Burns - we particularly liked Holy Willie's Prayer where, as Howson explains he "tried to convey the bitter, hypocritical man in earnest prayer justifying his lustful thoughts". But there is also a large number depicting his physical and internal battle for survival during the past year and more whilst undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Whatever he has gone through (in 1992/3 he witnessed and recorded the Balkans conflict as official war artist), whatever his beliefs or state of mind, his ability as an artist is incomparable. The exhibition 'From death to life' continues until 14th April and is definitely worth seeing.