Artwork
Sorcery
Sorcery is a drawing by Ian Howard. It dates from 1984 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The work was made right before Howard won first prize in a big drawing contest.
This is a 1984 drawing called *Sorcery* by Ian Howard. It mixes chalk, gouache, and acrylic paint. The title hints at Howard’s deep interest in alchemy and hidden knowledge.
The work was made right before Howard won first prize in a big drawing contest. He was teaching art at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen at the time.
It shows a loose shape that might look like a sorcerer lying down. Check out this artist next: Howard, Ian.
Overview
Sorcery is a 1984 mixed-media drawing by Scottish artist Ian Howard, created using chalk, gouache, and acrylic paint. Made during his tenure at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, the work preceded his first-place win in the 1985 Scottish Open Drawing Competition. Its layered materials and ambiguous forms reflect Howard’s engagement with material experimentation and symbolic imagery, positioning it as a pivotal piece in his early career.
Subject & Meaning
The title Sorcery points to Howard’s sustained interest in alchemical traditions and esoteric philosophy. While the composition resists literal representation, the upper portion suggests a recumbent figure, formed from abstract, flowing shapes that evoke ritual or transformation. The work does not illustrate a myth but invites contemplation of hidden processes—both material and metaphysical—central to Howard’s artistic concerns.
Technique & Style
Howard employs a tactile blend of chalk’s softness, gouache’s opacity, and acrylic’s fluidity to build a dense, textured surface. Lines are suggestive rather than defined, and forms emerge through layered washes and smudged contours. The absence of clear boundaries between elements creates a sense of ambiguity, aligning the piece with expressive abstraction while retaining a grounding in drawing’s traditional discipline.
History & Provenance
Created in 1984, Sorcery was produced shortly before Howard received the top prize in the Scottish Open Drawing Competition, a recognition that elevated his profile. At the time, he was actively teaching at Gray’s School of Art, where he influenced a generation of students. The drawing remains a significant early example of his mature style, though its specific ownership history after 1985 is not widely documented.
Context
In the early 1980s, Scottish art was undergoing a shift toward conceptual and material experimentation. Howard’s work aligned with this trend, drawing from both local traditions and broader European interests in mysticism and symbolism. His engagement with alchemy placed him apart from purely formalist approaches, situating Sorcery within a quieter, introspective current in post-war British drawing.
Legacy
Sorcery exemplifies Howard’s commitment to drawing as a vehicle for philosophical inquiry. Though not widely exhibited since its creation, it remains a touchstone in understanding his development as both artist and educator. The work’s quiet complexity continues to inform discussions around the role of symbolism and materiality in contemporary Scottish art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ian Howard made large ink drawings like *Sorcery* (1984), where abstract shapes twist into tangled lines and shadowy figures.
