(1887 Tory Island 1970)

Fishing from the Rocks on Tory Island. 18 October 1964.

Oil on paper.

Titled, signed and dated upper right: Fishing from the Rocks on Tory Island by James Dixon 18.10.1964.

56 x 37 cm

Provenance: Private collection, Switzerland, bought in a gallery in London 1966/67.

The artist, seaman and fisherman James Dixon came from a small, isolated island in the North Atlantic named Tory Island. Born as half native islander and half Irish mainlander, he spent his entire life on the island as one of nearly 150 permanent residents. Dixon came into contact with art through the artist Derek Hill, who arrived on the island as a visitor and with whom a deep friendship developed over time. James Dixon only began to dedicate himself to his artistic practice at an advanced age, a fact which makes his paintings all the more interesting. Dixon’s works reflect his life on Tory Island – the everyday life as an islander and fisherman. The ocean, the raging waves and the imposing cliffs play a central role in his paintings. His works are often infused with a narrative humour and an abstract naiveté, as seen in the present work, which shows fishermen fishing on a cliff. His play of various perspectives and his unique application of the paint (he used brushes made from the hair of his donkey's tail) provide an insight into the reason Dixon's art also extends beyond the borders of Tory Island.