Painter in oil, printmaker and teacher, born in Hartlepool, County Durham. He studied at the College of Art there; Leicester Polytechnic; and Hornsey School of Art, graduating with honours in 1988. Teachers included John Loker for painting, Simon Reed for photography/installations and Kevin Atherton, sculpture. From 1989 Powell was a part-time lecturer in painting and print at Southampton Institute of Higher Education. “The analogy between artist and performer” was important in his work. Group shows included University of Ulster Gallery, 1987; and Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth, 1990. Had a solo exhibition at Phoenix Art Centre, Leicester, 1988; two at 5 Dryden Street, 1989–90; and The Town Quay, Southampton, 1992. He was artist-in-residence at Town Quay in that year.