Artwork of the Month - April 2013
Dream 2, c.1986
Artist: Ruedy Furrer (1952-1987)
Medium: Mixed Media
Status: Permanent collection
Item No.: GMAG 2011.16
The Artist and his Work
Ruedy Furrer was born in Guernsey, the son of a Swiss father and Guernsey mother. He attended the local primary school and won a scholarship to Elizabeth College. In 1971 Ruedy completed a Foundation Course in Art and Design at Bristol Polytechnic, going on to Graduate with a BA, 1st Class Honours in Fine Art (Sculpture) from Gloucestershire College of Art and Design.
In 1974 Ruedy was awarded a scholarship as a student and teaching assistant, at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., obtaining a Master of Fine Art, Highest Honours in Studio Art.
He returned to Guernsey briefly in 1977, working in a local pottery, but left for Zurich in 1978. Just after Ruedy left for Switzerland one of his works was chosen to be in an exhibition of local artists organised by the British Arts Council held here at the Museum. Ruedy remained in Zurich where he worked as an artist and English teacher until his early death in 1987.
Ruedy often used colour shape and texture to explore the subconscious. This method of painting relies not on direct literal observation but on a desire to portray the subject instinctively and emotionally.