Born in London in 1955, Simon Edmondson currently lives and works in Madrid. The rich cultural history of the Spanish capital is a constant source of inspiration for Edmondson who often refers to the work of such Spanish masters as Velazquez. Edmondson previously dedicated a body of work to Velazquez’s 'Las Meninas', intensely studying the architectural plans of the Alcazar – the painting’s setting – and using pigments that would have been available in the 17th century or the nearest possible modern alternative. His work is a portal into an illusionary space that is tied to both the past and present.

Space and interiors are a key component of Edmondson’s work. More recently focusing upon urban settings, his interiors are often unspecific and falling into disrepair. He places his figures within deep illusory spaces that highlight the fragility of the human form. These scenes are rooted in reality but there is an aura of mystery surrounding them as if in flux between the real and fantasy. A stillness lies at the core of Edmondson’s images, capturing a moment of contemplation and rest. By choosing to use chalk on paper his work is fused with a gentle light that seeps through the image mimicking daylight or a hazy memory.

Edmondson completed his MA in Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art, London in 1978. The year after he won a scholarhip to study at Syracuse University, New York where he had contact with Anthony Caro and Clement Greenberg who were visiting lecturers. He later returned to London before settling permanently in Madrid in 1991. Edmondson has had numerous shows internationally, including a retrospective at Deutsche Bank, Madrid, and exhibitions in London, New York, Zurich, Madrid, Bilbao, Paris, Trieste and Rome. He has been featured in exhibitions at galleries such as Ashmolean Museum, Oxford; Dulwich Picture Gallery, London; Santa Cruz County Museum of Art, Santa Cruz; and Whitechapel Gallery, London.