Bruce Russell was born in 1946. He studied at Chelsea School of Art (1964–1969) and had a celebrated career dedicated to abstract painting, as a practitioner, curator and teacher.

After a brief stint lecturing at St Martin’s, he was appointed Professor of Fine Art at Kingston University, London in 1987 (now Emeritus Professor). He was formerly the founder-director of the University Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Russell’s abstraction is one of materiality and tone. Despite emerging at a time when abstract painting was governed by formalist dogma, Russell allowed himself his own very precise vernacular, reminiscent of Japanese prints or comic book line work. Bright colours, subtle symbols or signs and intricate patterns compose his images. As a result, these collected micro images create layered atmospheric paintings that convey a strict formal control that stands out in the abstract landscape of the time.