{"product_id":"ally-thompson-mantis-magdalena","title":"Ally Thompson (1955-2016) - Mantis Magdalena","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOriginal Oil on Board\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlly Thompson (1955-2016) - Oil on Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e“Mantis Magdalena”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA monumental and psychologically charged work from the artist's mature surrealist period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ally Thompson (1955-2016)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mantis Magdalena\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2007\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oil on board\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Signed lower right\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisible Artwork Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 84 × 64 cm (33.1 × 25.2 in)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFramed Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 110 × 90 cm (43.3 × 35.4 in)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Framed and glazed\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent overall condition\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMantis Magdalena is a substantial and highly distinctive oil painting by the Scottish artist Ally Thompson, one of the most individual voices to emerge from the New Glasgow Boys generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePainted in 2007, the work presents a powerful stylised figure rendered in Thompson's unmistakable surrealist visual language. The elongated insect-like form, symbolic eye motifs and restrained palette create an image that is both psychologically charged and visually compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe title combines the symbolism of the praying mantis with the religious and historical associations of Magdalena, reflecting Thompson's long-standing fascination with mythology, spirituality, symbolism and transformation. These themes run throughout his mature work and helped establish his reputation as Glasgow's Surrealist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt an impressive 84 × 64 cm visible image size, this is a significant exhibition-scale example with exceptional wall presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePresented behind glass in a substantial contemporary black frame, the painting is ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Artist\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlly Thompson studied at Glasgow School of Art between 1975 and 1980, graduating with First Class Honours before undertaking postgraduate study and receiving a travelling scholarship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe formed part of the influential generation of artists often referred to as the New Glasgow Boys, alongside figures such as Peter Howson, Ken Currie, Steven Campbell and Adrian Wiszniewski.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThompson developed a highly individual style combining surrealism, mythology, religion, psychology and dream imagery. His paintings are instantly recognisable for their symbolic figures, graphic compositions and distinctive visual language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA breakthrough solo exhibition at Glasgow's Barbizon Gallery brought his work to international attention, leading to exhibitions and exposure in New York and Paris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing his death in 2016, Thompson was widely remembered as Glasgow's Surrealist, a title reflecting his unique contribution to contemporary Scottish art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eProvenance and Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSigned to the front of the painting. The reverse is fully inscribed with the title \u003cem\u003eMantis Magdalena\u003c\/em\u003e, medium, artist name and date 2007.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA rare opportunity to acquire a substantial oil painting from the artist's mature surrealist period.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Crag Bank Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53743273705810,"sku":"CBA-314","price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1078\/0904\/6866\/files\/IMG_1723.jpg?v=1781430623","url":"https:\/\/cragbankart.co.uk\/products\/ally-thompson-mantis-magdalena","provider":"Crag Bank Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}