John Bellany

John Bellany (1942–2013) was a Scottish painter renowned for his powerful, expressionist works that vividly depicted the lives of fishing communities and explored profound themes of faith, mortality, and human struggle. Born in Port Seton, East Lothian, Bellany was deeply influenced by his upbringing in a family of fishermen and boatbuilders, as well as the Calvinist traditions of his community. These elements permeated his art, which often featured maritime imagery and Christian iconography.

A pivotal moment in Bellany's life occurred in the 1980s when he underwent a liver transplant in 1988. Remarkably, he began painting again within hours of regaining consciousness, producing a series of works that reflected a renewed sense of life and optimism. This period marked a shift in his artistic style, with his later works becoming more vibrant and colorful, often depicting flowers and landscapes.

Throughout his career, Bellany's work was widely exhibited and collected internationally, with pieces held in major institutions such as the Tate Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In recognition of his contributions to art, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1994 and was elected a Royal Academician in 1991.