Brighton’s Arty: Alison Krog

The Beautiful south

Let’s face it, when it comes to artists Brighton is just plain greedy. We attract the most exceptional talents from, well, pretty much the universe. And I don’t think it’s because of
the smell of deep-fried doughnuts wafting from the pier (although that probably penetrates a good few miles).
One of the Arty newcomers who’ll be featuring in this year’s
book has been previously acclaimed as one of Scotland’s foremost figurative oil painters – and ranked by the Sunday Herald newspaper in the top five most collectable Scottish artists. Luckily for us, in
2012 Catriona Millar headed down to what she terms ‘the beautiful south’ and is now based in Eastbourne.

Catriona describes herself as a ‘people painter’ and we love
the narrative pull of her works – imbued with hidden stories that the viewer can only surmise. There’s also a compelling textural quality that draws you in through its multiple layers. Catriona strongly believes that her move from Scotland has

had a positive effect on her work and her creative spirit (see … Brighton strikes again!). And as a tutor as
well, she says she enjoys the camaraderie of her class, being surrounded by so many interesting, talented people (well we’ve definitely got a surfeit of those).
Don’t miss: Finnish sculptor Johanna Häiväoja and her French partner François Blosseville are having their first Brighton exhibition at 35 North Gallery on North Road. You may have experienced the dramatic expressions of these
two Dieppe-based sculptors previously, as they have been showing their work for a number
of years as guests of the Fiveways Artists Group. Look forward to an astonishing selection of sculptural works in wood, paper and resin, as well as drawings and wall-mounted pieces. From 7 March until 4 April.
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