Robert Bissell

The Animal Narrative | Robert Bissell

British born, San Francisco and London-based artist Robert Bissell uses animal narratives in his paintings to explore what it means to be part of the natural world. Robert Bissell’s experiences growing up deep in the countryside of southern England shaped his views from a young age on being inextricably connected to the animals and nature that surrounded him. 

At first glance, Robert Bissell’s narrative painting style may seem reminiscent of his childhood, but Bissell’s paintings are not mere children’s tales. Instead they explore zoomorphism—portraying humans as non-humans, an approach he uses to invite us as viewers to rediscover the magic in nature, and through it our own nature. His approach draws us as viewers further into his paintings and immerses us in the scenes, almost as if we are in the paintings alongside the animals. Bissell says that his stated intent is to “…show a world that is a mirror for self-definition. I am inviting the viewer to step inside a venerated space”. Robert Bissell hopes that this experience may ultimately remind us that we humans are part of nature too and that nature includes us.

Robert Bissell has a Bachelor’s degree in photography from the Manchester College of Art and a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London. Robert Bissell’s work has been featured in numerous solo and selected group exhibitions in galleries and museums throughout the United States and Europe. His paintings are also part of many private and corporate collections worldwide.