Lys Hansen (born 1936) is a Scottish artist regarded as one of the country's most important figurative expressionist painters. She currently lives and works in Braco, Perthshire.
Early life and education Hansen was born in Falkirk and grew up in Alloa. Hansen studied at Edinburgh College of Art from 1955 to 1959 before continuing to attend the University of Edinburgh where she studied fine art in 1961. After studying art, Hansen trained as a teacher. She has travelled and worked across Europe, including to France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany and Denmark.
Career Hansen was working in Berlin when the Berlin Wall came down, greatly impacting her creative direction. Her work is often considered introspective and challenging. Often working in paint, Hansen explores the human condition in her work. Having previously exhibited her paintings, Hansen exhibited her drawings for the first time in 2012. A sculpture in wood by Hansen formed part of an exhibition at the Kunsthuis Gallery, Yorkshire, in 2016.
Hansen is recognised for her work in supporting other artists. Her work has also inspired the poem Warpaint And Womanflesh by Scottish writer and Scots Makar, Liz Lochhead.
Hansen was the subject of the book, Passionate Paint: The Art of Lys Hansen, published by Mainstream Publishing Ltd in 1998.
Hansen is a past president and current member of the Society of Scottish Artists.
Selected exhibitions
Lys Hansen Solo, Third Eye Centre, Glasgow, February 1984 Camden Arts Centre, 1986 Relatively Close, Bornholm Kunst Museum, Denmark, 2007 The Other Side: Karin Christiansen and Lys Hansen, Collins Gallery, University Of Strathclyde, 8 July–16 August 2008 Relatively Closer, University of Stirling, Scotland, 2009 Drawing Breath, Cooper Gallery, University of Dundee, 2–30 March 2012 When You Reach September, Kinblethmont Gallery, Arbroath, 2012 Love + War + Paint, The Lillie Art Gallery, Milngavie, 12 July–24 September 2014
Selected awards and recognition
Post-graduate scholarship, Edinburgh College of Art Scottish Arts Council scholarship awarded in 1985 Abbey Minor Award, Prix de Rome, British School at Rome President of the Society of Scottish Artists, 1992–1995
Works in public collections Pieces by Hansen are held in several public collections, including the following works, TitleYearMediumGallery no.GalleryLocationAct I Scene II (Duet)1987oil & pastel on paper2009.1University of StirlingScotlandBerlin Diptych: Look and Listen (left panel)1993acrylic on canvasAYRAG:001993.LMaclaurin Art Gallery at Rozelle HouseAyr, ScotlandBerlin Diptych: Look and Listen (right panel)1993acrylic on canvasAYRAG:001993.RMaclaurin Art Gallery at Rozelle HouseAyr, ScotlandLost Man2003oil & pastel on paper2009.2University of StirlingScotlandMary, Queen of Scots1991oil on canvas21056Stirling Smith Art Gallery & MuseumStirling, ScotlandOther Directions2007oil & pastel on paper2009.1University of StirlingScotlandStagefright1984painting -New Hall Art Collection, Murray Edwards CollegeCambridge, EnglandStance1983acrylic & collage on canvasCAC1985/17City Art CentreEdinburgh, ScotlandThe Boatmaker's Fishgarden1966oil on canvas1967.6University of StirlingScotlandThe Rivals - Scarsdale (Mrs Harris 1)1982 - -North Ayrshire CouncilScotland'Thou knowst thou hast made me with passions wild and strong' No. 21996acrylic on paper2007.206Perth & Kinross CouncilScotland
References
External links Artworks by Lys Hansen on Art UK A list of articles written by Clare Henry, referencing several exhibitions that include Hansen