Rachel Deacon is a fine artist who works from her London studio. Her figurative and abstract works exhibit her trademark clean and elegant aesthetic.
Rachel has exhibited extensively in London, the UK and internationally since graduating from Chelsea School of Art in 1991. Her distinctive painting style continues to grow in popularity and she has been published worldwide.
Each of her figurative paintings is inspired by a narrative, short story, poem or literary extract. Rachel does not illustrate the text, but freely interprets it and delights in the re-telling, the sentiment or idea. She explores dimensions, pattern and composition through drawings before presenting her view. The women depicted are self-assured and provocative and often convey an inner strength suggested within the text. Naturally, through her inspiration, her paintings have a sense of narrative within them and are thoughtful or seductive, with quiet dignity and a timeless quality.
More recently Rachel has started creating more abstract work. These new paintings express a rhythmic arrangement of abstract geometric forms, overlaying of shapes and soft colour. The negative spaces work to create harmony and direction within the composition. Rachel is interested in the experience of finding images and form in, and behind, other shapes and manoeuvring the eye throughout the surface of the canvas. She uses the precision of geometry to create an opposition to the simplicity of the gentle shapes. Muted colour acts alongside substantial contrast, affecting a dynamically-moving image.
Through her annual solo shows Rachel has built up an extensive number of loyal clients. She also works to commission for large companies and private clients alike. Rachel currently lives and works in London where the majority of her exhibitions are held.
Rachel regularly takes on commissions. Each commission starts with a discussion of Rachel’s work and the client's desired dimensions and subject matter. Specific fabrics, flowers and other details can be included to personalise your painting although Rachel doesn’t undertake portraits.
The next step is Rachel presenting her sketches, usually three, so the client can decide which direction and elements they like. She will then do a more detailed sketch showing the exact composition of the painting. At this stage, if you are happy you will be asked for half of the agreed price, and then the remaining amount when the finished painting is delivered.
For an abstract commission, details of size and desired colours, plus an idea of other paintings that you like, will be sufficient. Commissioned paintings cost around the same price as her gallery work for the equivalent size.
Commisions
Exhibition history
Solo Shows
2024 - Catto Gallery, London
2023 - ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2022 - Catto Gallery, London
2021- Catto Gallery Hampstead
2019 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2018 - RJD Gallery, New York, USA
2017 - Catto Gallery, Hampstead, London
2014 - Catto Gallery, Hampstead, London
2012 - Catto Gallery, Hampstead, London
2011 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2007 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2006 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2005 - Baillie Gallery, Tower Bridge, London
2005 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2005 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2003 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2002 - Gallery One, London
2001 - CCA Gallery, Chelsea, London
2000 - Zella Gallery, Chelsea, London
1999 - Zella Gallery, Chelsea, London
1998 - Zella Gallery, Chelsea, London
1998 - Ingo Fincke & Son, Battersea, London
1992 - Brixtonian Backyard, Soho, London
Art Fairs
2024 - Art London, London
2023 - Art London, London
2023 - AAF, Hampstead - London
2012 - Henley Festival, Henley.
2011 - Palace Art Fair, Fulham, London
2005/7 - Chelsea Art Fair, London
2002 - C20/21 Art with Portal Gallery
2002/4 - Glasgow Art Fair, Glasgow, Scotland
2001/2 - New York Contemporary Art Fair, USA
2001/4 - Art 2001, Business Design Centre, London
99/12 - Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, London
Group Shows
2023 - Catto Gallery, London
2022 - Catto Gallery, London
2021 - Catto Gallery, Hampstead, London
2021 - Society of Women Artists, Mall Galleries, London
2020 - Catto Gallery, Hampstead, London
2020 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2018 - Society of Women Artists, Mall Galleries, London
2018 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2017 - Society of Women Artists, Mall Galleries, London
2017 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2016 - Concept Gallery, Glasgow
2015 - Good Figures, Mall Galleries, London
2015 - Artcatto, Algarve, Portugal
2012 - The Red Dot Gallery, Holt, Norfolk
2012 - Art Erotica, Cork Street, London
2011 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2010 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2010 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2009 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2009 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2008 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2007 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2007 - Ingo Fincke Gallery, London
2006 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2005 - Baillie Gallery, London
2004 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2004 - Baillie Gallery, London
2003 - Royal College of Art, Kensington, London
2003 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2002 - Portal Gallery, Mayfair, London
2002 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2001 - Royal College of Art, Kensington, London
2001 - Gallery One, Barnes, London
2001 - Cambridge Contemporary Art, Cambridge
2000 - Royal College of Art, Kensington, London
1999 - Maymie White Contemporary Art, London
1999 - Collyer Bristow Gallery, Holborn, London
1999 - Morley Gallery, Westminster, London
1998 - Ingo Fincke & Son, Battersea, London
1998 - Thames Galleries, Dulwich, London
1998 - Maymie White Contemporary Art, London
1997 - Thames Galleries, Putney, London
1996 - Dryden Street Gallery, Covent Garden, London
1996 - Edith Grove Gallery, Chelsea, London
1995 - Mall Galleries, London
1995 - Tabernacle Gallery, Portobello, London
1994 - Ingo Fincke & Son, Battersea, London
1992 - Commonwealth Institute, Kensington, London
