About – Who even is Junior Durrani?

Junior Durrani is a painter based in Eaglescliffe.  He grew up in Stockton-on-Tees, and later lived in Middlesbrough, where he studied English Literature at Teesside University. After obtaining his PGCE in Primary Education from Northumbria University, Junior worked full time as a primary school teacher for several years. The passing of his mother became a pivotal moment in his life, prompting him to reconnect with his love of painting and drawing. Currently, he balances his passion for art and self-expression with his role as a supply teacher in various local schools, while also dedicating time to his newborn daughter and partner.  

Junior’s art draws on his own life story and experiences. His work often explores themes of nostalgia, is usually narrative driven, and reflects his connections to the local area and its people. Each piece reflects who he is and his journey, capturing moments and memories that have shaped his identity.  

Artist Statement

When painting, I begin by selecting photographs that resonate deeply with my personal narrative, capturing the essence of how I perceived and experienced those moments. The passage of time enhances my intrigue in exploring these memories artistically. Using acrylics on canvas, I prioritise conveying the emotions and memories evoked by the photograph over precise replication. My work not only reflects the sentiments of those past moments but also encapsulates my present-day emotions as I revisit them. I find immense satisfaction in the tactile application of paint, delighting in how brushes and palette knives can imbue the canvas with vibrant, textured marks. I strive to strike a balance between faithfully recreating elements from the photograph and embracing the spontaneous childlike joy of mark-making. Each piece, therefore, becomes a canvas of nostalgia and personal history.