Ptolemy Mann

b. 1972, United Kingdom

Ptolemy Mann creates hand-dyed and woven artworks that have become the basis for a modern-day Bauhaus philosophy of art-making underpinned with intelligent colour theory. Her time-consuming and unique approach has evolved over a twenty-five-year period. Exquisite dynamics of colour move across their fine surface, creating a painterly sweep. The term ‘Chromatic Minimalism’ has been applied to her work, and Abstract Expressionism and architecture heavily influence her. In recent years she has been making huge gestural paintings on watercolour paper and canvas exploring the relationship between thread and pigment.

Mann is interested in the relationships between colours and their affective potential. For her, painting is an expression of the material world. Optical effects and natural phenomena inspire her to explore the possibilities of her chosen materials: dye, thread, paper, paint and time. Through their rapid and/or laborious application she creates a multi-layered meditation on light and colour.

Mann makes large-scale, emotional works that express a deep sense of craftsmanship and precision through an abstract narrative. She has completed many site-specific art installations and has exhibited worldwide. She lectures regularly throughout the UK and abroad, writes for the magazine Selvedge, curates, and has received three grants from the Arts Council of England.

Clients and collaborators include: Tate Modern Museum, Paul Hughes Fine Arts, Gallerie Lene Bilgrav, Candid House, Among the Pines Gallery, Art Acumen, Linda Bird Gallery, NHS, Hilton Hotel Group, The Open University, Cunard, KPMG, Derwent, British Land, Stanhope PLC, Bill Amberg, Ercol, Christopher Farr, Sotheby’s, Swankye Hayden Connell Architects, Stanton Williams Architects, Allies Morrison and Johnson Tiles.

CV