Modern Art is pleased to present Drawing towards Painting: Selected Drawings 1974-2024, Michael Simpson’s second solo exhibition with the gallery. Widely renowned for his paintings, this exhibition examines the breadth of his drawing practice. Drawing is a daily practice for Simpson, commonly he’ll close out the day drawing. With materials such as carbon pencil, French chalk, Indian ink, gouache and oil paint, he draws on surfaces close to hand, from restaurant napkins, discarded cardboard, end papers to book covers – such choices make clear the instinctive drive of this aspect of his practice. Each differs significantly, encompassing examples rendered with economy and speed to more graphic drawings, akin to architectural plans. Like his paintings, his drawings depict a small selection of repeated forms, especially confessionals, benches, ladders and leper squints.
