Glasgow School of Art

Peter Howson: new retrospective reveals how Scots painter found redemption after Bosnian war

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, May 27, 2023

Peter Howson’s story is one of seeking dignity in human suffering and violence, and finding redemption; it is also uniquely Scottish.

Key Points: 
  • Peter Howson’s story is one of seeking dignity in human suffering and violence, and finding redemption; it is also uniquely Scottish.
  • When The Apple Ripens, Howson’s retrospective at Edinburgh City Arts Centre (27 May-1 October), is a timely showcase to celebrate his 65th year.

A Scottish sensibility

    • An unmistakably Scottish feature of Howson’s work is the undertone of Calvinism with its God-fearing, joyless culture of toil and penitence.
    • His unique perspective on the world reflects his experiences of living in the east end of Glasgow.
    • Most of his early work portrayed caricatures of rough, masculine men with exaggerated musculature.
    • At a time when Margaret Thatcher was in power, he called out the right-wing extremists and portrayed the dispossessed with dignity.

War and peace

    • With an obsession around violence and warfare, Howson applied and was commissioned by the Imperial War Museum to record the Bosnian civil war in 1993 as the official war artist.
    • For Howson, life is about violence and confrontation, and in his words, encountering it makes him “feel alive”.
    • But the war had a huge impact on Howson’s mental health and his personal relationships were damaged by his experiences.
    • On his return, after a period of convalescence, he produced 300 pieces of powerful, shocking and controversial works of art.

York University reaches world’s Top 35 in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Toronto, ON, April 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- York University is strengthening its position as a leader in creating a sustainable and inclusive world, ranking in the worlds top 35 in the respected Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, ON, April 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- York University is strengthening its position as a leader in creating a sustainable and inclusive world, ranking in the worlds top 35 in the respected Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
  • The impact ranking is influential as the United Nations assesses the performance of universities worldwide in meeting its sustainable development goals.
  • Our continued recognition as a world leader in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is a testament to Yorks steadfast commitment to build a more just and sustainable future, said Rhonda Lenton, Yorks president and vice-chancellor.
  • The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings considers factors such as research, stewardship, outreach and teaching to determine the rank for each institution.