Alison Lambert specialised in monumental and powerful drawings of the human forms. The present work is a stunning example of her latest artistic developments, which focus on conveying a deeper and more subtle sense of ‘being in the world’. Lambert does not work from life but refers to images of different people drawn from several sources, often referring to many images for one piece of work. Lambert states that she is not looking at traditional portraiture, but rather at “a portrayal of what it is to be human”. The title, Iah, which means ‘moon’ in Egyptian, refers to a lunar deity in ancient Egyptian religion.
Lambert’s method and drawing technique is particularly interesting as she follows a long process of building up the image by adding and removing layers of paper and chalk. She uses black charcoal and pastel for the drawing, collaged pieces of paper for covering overworked areas and reclaiming the white surface. She gradually began to use chisels, sandpaper and a range of knives to cut and slice into the surface of the paper. This rigorous and obsessive drawing procedures, combined with the fact that the drawings as objects become thicker, was likened to Frank Auerbach’s (b. 1931) own practice, which displays a similar sense of struggle to “find” the figure.
Alison Lambert studied at Leek and Coventry Schools of Art. Her work has been exhibited widely and since 1999 she has been represented by the Jill George Gallery in London.