With the square on square images from the ‘Elba’ group, one would be totally mistaken in assuming that Bullen’s images are about the construction of structures, where one form appears to be physically supporting another. Yet there are essential references to the historical architectural culture of the places that inspired the format. The excitement of discovering a new unfamiliar environment is manifested in a series of works ‘Isola’, which embrace the ‘Elba’ group. Produced throughout the last two years, they were the result of several residencies at a remote hermitage on the Italian island of Elba. The Eremo di Santa Caterina in itself echoes a sense of place in history that sparks the sensations to the levels where colour, form and light become fused as one, but are ever changing…

Bullen is concerned with the shifting pattern of colour and light, and the problems involved in recording a suspended moment in time. This is exemplified in a new group of four feet square paintings, which take this notion further and are constructed on the canvas in four, one foot squares of the same tonal colour, but blended from side to side and corner, giving the illusion of pivoting from the centre, suggesting the animated movement of a Catherine Wheel…

Bullen is interested in the way colour emerges out of shadow. His is a slow, tonal and pensive. Duncan Bullen’s paintings, drawings and prints are subtle, resonant and thoughtful, but above all, sensually arresting in spirit and presence.

William Jackson, An Island Vision, 1998.

Loughborough College of Art and Design / Jill George Gallery.