The light is a defining theme throughout Helen L. Robertson and Ellis O’Connor’s work.
Based in the Outer Hebrides, both artists work on site where they are exposed to the vast landscape and ever-changing elements. This body of work captures the ephemeral moments when light pierces through rich, moody skies and illuminates the dramatic landscape.
Robertson and O’Connor use light as a medium, absorb their surroundings and compose two very different, visceral responses. Notably, there are no people in either of the artists’ spellbinding paintings. Each one tells a vivid encounter with nature, emulating the organic rhythms and beauty of the theatrical weather found in and around Skye.
Captivated by it’s breath-taking yet harsh environment, both artists have purposely relocated to this area of Scotland, leaving behind the cities where they studied. O’Connor has set up home and studio in Skye whilst Robertson has been based in Lochalsh since the late 1980s. These works are about their personal connections to the area. Throughout this exhibition, there are bursts pure and vivid colour that pour out of neutral, darker hues.
Although their locations are similar, their method and approach is unique to them. Robertson’s painting process is fluid as it echoes her surroundings; she floods the paper with water and injects colliding pools of colour using acrylic-inks and watercolour. Her medium is as spontaneous and unpredictable as the ever-changing elements that dominate her surroundings.
Slick pastels carve out the final forms of the landscape, pushing the focus onto the illuminated parts of the final piece. O’Connor takes a performative approach using gestural and expressive mark making. She physically absorbs the natural movement of the landscape and conveys how it makes her feel. Thick oils are pushed and pulled across the canvas using her hands and large brushes.
Embedded into the deep colours, there are collected textures such as sand and dried seaweed taken from the location of the painting. Drawn to the Light brings together enchanting interpretations of the Hebridean, panoramic views. It celebrates the beauty of the environment and is a reminder of nature’s strength and power.
The work shown in this exhibition is available in the gallery and on the Glasgow Gallery website. For any enquiries, please contact the gallery on 0141 333 1991 or email info@glasgowgallery.co.uk
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This article was brought to you by the Glasgow Gallery
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