14 March 2005

Graduate awarded Fulbright scholarship

Simon Reekie, well known artist and graduate of the University of Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright postgraduate scholarship. The first graduate of DJCAD to receive this honour, Simon's scholarship is worth $45,000.

With only six UK scholarships on offer and up against academics from all disciplines including doctors, lawyers and journalists, Simon is the only artist to receive a scholarship.

As a Fulbright scholar, Simon will spend the next academic year at a US university developing his work and researching new projects. He will be touring different US universities before making a final decision on where he will study.

Simon commented, "I am absolutely delighted to receive a Fulbright scholarship. As one of the most prestigious scholarships worldwide it is an honour to be chosen. This is a good opportunity for me to further develop my portraiture work and learn from respected artists in the United States."

Dundee born Simon became well known for the spectacular painting of his father, complete with a 3D nose, which he donated to the City of Dundee and now hangs in the city's McManus Galleries.

Simon has seen a number of successes since graduating from the University and was recently showing his latest painting 'Mother 2004' at an exhibition in London along side Jack Vettriano and Peter Housen.

For interview please call Simon on 07960851327.

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk