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Sax Impey (Born 1969)
Sax Impey’s paintings and drawings are often large scale, immersive and elemental incorporating staggering detail and dexterity and an expressive, behavioural use of medium. Since 2005, Impey has produced works derived almost exclusively from experiences at sea. As a qualified RYA Yachtmaster he has sailed many thousands of nautical miles around the world. These extensive trips have had a profound impact on his life and subsequent development as an artist. Reconnecting with nature through this powerful element has the almost inescapable effect of calling to question some of life’s existential questions. This epiphanic moment of realisation, of revelation, is at the core of Impey’s oeuvre. Reflecting on, and capturing personal moments and making them universal, Impey’s work reaffirms the importance of introspection and confrontation, found specifically when surrounded by the natural world.
After graduating from art college, Impey spent time in East Africa before returning to Cornwall to paint. During this period he also spent time participating in film, theatre and performance projects throughout the UK. In 1995 Impey was elected a member of the Newlyn Society of Artists and in 1997 was awarded a ‘Kunstbrucke’ residency in Berlin. From 2005, he has collaborated with the cross-cultural, environmental art group Red Earth in the creation of site-specific installations including a multi-media performance at Trafalgar Square, London and Birling Gap in Sussex. In 2007 Impey’s work was selected for the ‘Art Now Cornwall’ exhibition at the Tate St Ives whilst also being heralded in The Times as one of the ‘New Faces of Cornish Art’. In 2010 Sax was featured in Owen Sheers’ BBC4 Documentary ‘Art of the Sea (In Pictures)’ alongside Anish Kapoor, J. M. W. Turner, Martin Parr and Maggi Hambling among others. His work was selected as a finalist the 2013 Threadneedle Prize and the year before was elected an Academician at the Royal West of England Academy.
Sax Impey’s works are held in multiple collections, including The Arts Council, Warwick University and the Connaught Hotel, as well as private collections worldwide. He is represented by Anima Mundi.
