Afar

Artist

chris malcomson

Chris Malcomson: A Life Painted in Light and Shadow

Born in Liverpool, England, on February 18, 1936, Christopher Ransome Malcomson’s life unfolded as a fascinating tapestry woven from engineering precision, artistic exploration, and a deep engagement with the human spirit. His early years were shaped by wartime displacement – a childhood spent navigating the anxieties of World War II, first in Bath and later at Huyton Hill School – experiences that instilled within him a quiet resilience and an appreciation for the value of safety and stability. This formative period laid the groundwork for his meticulous approach to both engineering and art, a characteristic evident in the careful layering and considered composition of his paintings.

Malcomson’s professional journey began with a solid foundation in structural engineering, culminating in three decades spent at F. J. Samuelly Ltd., a firm renowned for its contributions to iconic London landmarks like St. Thomas Hospital and the British Telecom Tower. This demanding career honed his observational skills and instilled within him an understanding of form, structure, and the interplay between light and space – elements that would later become central to his artistic practice. He wasn’t merely designing buildings; he was shaping experiences, a perspective that subtly informed his transition into painting.

The Shift to Art: From Blueprint to Brushstroke

A pivotal moment arrived in 1991 when Malcomson decided to dedicate himself fully to the pursuit of art. He enrolled at the Chelsea College of Art and Design, a move that initially seemed a significant departure from his established career but proved remarkably intuitive. His prior experience with paper, drawing pens, and ink – skills honed during his engineering work – provided an unexpected advantage, allowing him to seamlessly translate his technical understanding into a new medium. Furthermore, he drew inspiration from his earlier participation in Beryl Pogson’s “Work” group, where he explored glass engraving and mosaic making, expanding his creative repertoire.

This artistic exploration was further enriched by his engagement with the ideas of Maurice Nicholl, a neurologist and Jungian psychiatrist, and the poetry of figures like Rumi and Antonio Machado. These influences manifested in his work through a focus on inner landscapes, exploring themes of spirituality, memory, and the human condition. Malcomson’s artistic philosophy embraced a synthesis of seemingly disparate disciplines – engineering, psychology, literature, and art – creating a uniquely layered and introspective body of work.

A Palette of Color and Light

Malcomson's paintings are immediately striking for their bold use of color, particularly the interplay between red and blue. He often employed translucent layers of paint, allowing light to penetrate and refract through the surface, creating a dynamic sense of depth and atmosphere. His work is frequently described as “colorfield painting,” referencing the abstract expressionist movement’s emphasis on pure color as a subject in itself. He deliberately avoided representational imagery, instead focusing on evoking emotions and sensations through the manipulation of hue, value, and texture.

Beyond his technical mastery, Malcomson's paintings possess an undeniable emotional resonance. His work is often characterized by a sense of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to engage in a personal dialogue with the images before them. He frequently referenced influences from artists like Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko and Clifford Still, whose explorations of color and form resonated deeply with his own artistic vision.

Legacy and Continuing Exploration

Chris Malcomson’s journey is one of remarkable transformation – a testament to the enduring power of curiosity and creative exploration. From his early days as a structural engineer to his later years as a celebrated painter, he consistently sought new ways to understand and express the world around him. His relocation to Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in 2004 marked a new chapter, allowing him to continue his artistic practice while fostering connections within the vibrant Berkshire art community.

His work continues to be exhibited and appreciated for its evocative beauty and profound emotional depth. Malcomson’s legacy lies not only in the stunning canvases he created but also in his unwavering commitment to pursuing a life of creative inquiry, reminding us that art can emerge from unexpected sources and illuminate the most intimate corners of the human experience.

Museum

Department of Economics

On show in Oxford, United Kingdom

A Sanctuary of Thought: The Intellectual Grandeur of Oxford

Within the ancient, hallowed heart of Oxford University, where the echoes of centuries of scholarship resonate through cobblestone streets, stands a modern marvel that redefines the boundaries of academic architecture: the Department of Economics. This is not merely a place of study, but a living chronicle of human progress and a bold statement of contemporary design. The Manor Road Building, a masterpiece envisioned by the legendary Norman Foster, serves as a transparent vessel for the pursuit of truth. Its striking glass façade does more than catch the light; it reflects the very clarity of the research conducted within, acting as a bridge between the weight of historical tradition and the ambitious, forward-looking spirit of modern economic inquiry.

To step inside this edifice is to enter a space humming with a quiet, focused energy—a sanctuary where abstract theories are forged into the practical policies that shape our global reality. The architecture itself embodies the transparency essential to scientific rigor, with expansive walls that flood the interior with natural light, creating an atmosphere of openness and intellectual invitation. It is a structure that honors its site, standing upon ground steeped in the history of Oxford since 1096, yet it embraces sustainable technologies and modern aesthetics, mirroring the way contemporary economics must balance historical lessons with the urgent environmental responsibilities of our time.

A Legacy Forged in Theory and Global Impact

The lineage of economic thought at Oxford is a tapestry woven with threads of profound social change and monumental discovery. While the roots of this inquiry stretch back to 1825 with the establishment of the Drummond Chair, it was during the transformative Victorian era that the foundations of systematic analysis were truly laid. The department has long been a crucible for luminaries who have reshaped the world's understanding of wealth, poverty, and prosperity. One cannot contemplate this institution without acknowledging the giants whose work resonates through every modern discourse: Sir John Hicks, Amartya Sen, and Joseph Stiglitz. These Nobel laureates represent a tradition of excellence that has elevated Oxford to the pinnacle of global academic prestige.

What truly distinguishes this department is its commitment to an interdisciplinary soul, most notably exemplified by the renowned PPE (Philosophy,

Politics

& Economics) program. This holistic approach recognizes that economics does not exist in a vacuum but is inextricably linked to the broader human experience, demanding a deep consideration of ethical, social, and political dimensions. It is this very interconnectedness that fuels the department's vibrant research ecosystem, where nine dedicated research groups and five active centers delve into the complexities of everything from behavioral patterns to the intricate mechanics of financial markets.

Global Horizons and the Pursuit of Equity

Beyond its walls, the Department of Economics acts as a vital hub for global engagement, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas that transcends borders. The Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) stands as a beacon of pioneering research, addressing the unique and pressing challenges facing the African continent while contributing indispensable knowledge to the global community. Similarly, the Oxford Centre for the Analysis of Resource-Rich economies (OxCarre) investigates the delicate balance of resource extraction and its socio-economic implications, offering crucial insights for nations navigating the complexities of the "resource curse." These centers are not isolated silos but interconnected nodes in a worldwide network of discovery.

As we look toward an uncertain future defined by climate change, inequality, and global health crises, the Department remains poised to lead. Its alumni, occupying prominent positions in governments, international organizations, and academia, carry the torch of Oxford’s rigorous training into the most critical decision-making arenas on Earth. For the scholar, the collector of knowledge, or the designer of future societies, the Department of Economics offers more than just data; it offers a profound window into the forces that drive our collective destiny, making it a true sanctuary of thought in an ever-changing world.