Celia Paul, a British painter known for her intense and tactile works, is the subject of a new monograph titled “Celia Paul: Works 1975–2025.” The book, which features five essays including one by the artist herself, delves into Paul’s deep sense of nostalgia and her repeated exploration of themes such as family, the British Museum, and the sea.
The monograph focuses heavily on Paul’s recent works, many of which were created in response to the death of her mother in 2015. Paul painted her sisters in grief and created numerous self-portraits during this period, feeling that she was finally able to capture her true likeness after her mother’s passing. Her introspective journey is also reflected in her books “Self-Portrait” (2019) and “Letters of Gwen John” (2022), both of which emerged from her grief and desire to express herself in new ways.
Home and the concept of belonging are recurring themes in Paul’s work and life. Born in India to British missionary parents, Paul moved to England at a young age and has since lived in a flat opposite the British Museum. Despite her ascetic lifestyle, she admits to a constant yearning for “home” and a sense of belonging. Her repetitive painting of herself serves as a reflection of her ongoing exploration of identity and place in the world.
Gender also plays a complex role in Paul’s art, as she primarily paints women but has long been defined and influenced by men. In her current exhibition “Colony of Ghosts,” Paul depicts male artists like Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon, symbolizing her desire to be accepted and recognized within the male-dominated art world. This theme of ambition and vulnerability is further explored in the monograph, which presents a multi-faceted portrait of Paul’s artistic identity.
Overall, “Celia Paul: Works 1975–2025” offers a comprehensive look at the artist’s life and career, showcasing her evolution as both a painter and a writer. Through a combination of images and words, the monograph reveals the depth and complexity of Paul’s self-exploration, highlighting the tension between austerity and audacity in her work. Published by MACK, the book is a must-read for fans of Celia Paul’s art and those interested in the intersection of personal narrative and artistic expression.
