2012 Catalogue Archive

In his cyanotype paintings, Hugh Scott-Douglas coats the canvas with the blue, light-sensitive emulsion and sprays or stains the surface with various materials that will affect its exposure to light. As Scott-Douglas lays the canvases in the sun, the chemicals – traditionally, more connected to photographic processes than painting – react to varying degrees, producing highlights, gradually faded passages, and deeper blues where the sun’s exposure was greater. Scott-Douglas’ beautiful, monochromatic works brings into question ideas about process, color and light, and the role of the artist’s intention and control. Scott-Douglas has exhibited internationally at venues in London, Los Angeles, Berlin, Chicago, and Toronto, and New York. The artist currently lives and works in Toronto.