I spent a relaxing yet stimulating day in the company of a sweet and inspiring lady - (thank you Helena) in Cambridge - to see the ART & LIFE exhibition.
Art and Life 1920-1931 celebrates the confluence of the Nicholsons; Winifred and Ben, with Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis and William Staite Murray.
Interestingly curated by Winifred's grandson, the show explores comparisons between each artist's style and the influences they gave to and took from each other.
Such a pleasure to soak up the gorgeous chalky colours that Winifred Nicholson embraced.
I love her paintings.
There were several of her trademark flowering plants wrapped in tissue, on windowsills, before landscapes:
These sections are from two paintings in the show, executed a year or so apart. Helena pointed out the less fluid, clunkiness of the top one and how, twelve months later, Winifred Nicholson's developing confidence and ability is evident in a looser, more easy style - the painting appears less 'laboured' than the top one. Ever observant and erudite is Helena.
Love the way all the interest is at the top of the painting, balanced and supported simply by vertical shadows.
This painting was amazing - and the image does it no justice. There is a clear turquoise blue behind the lace of the curtain on the left that is bleached out here. The subtlety of the warm and cool greys and whites is flattened - that's why going to see these in the 'flesh' is essential for feeding the soul.
It's on until May...
2 comments:
Yes, a fine Nicholson-ish day out, indeed.
It seems to me that Winifred Nicholson is an artist who, though her themes and artistic treatment are deep within the English tradition, her work is enhanced by the smart assimilation of some European avant-garde experiments. The result is magnificent.
And the walk through Cambridge on Saturday… well, as the Romans did, mark this day with a white stone.
Helena
Yes, Helena - a white stone would mark our joyful day beautifully x
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