Towards AbstractionVanni MacchiagodenaBoo MallinsonJustine Lois Thorpe

11 October - 1 November 2014

Towards Abstraction invites us into the unique worlds of three distinct painters, each offering us a journey through abstract land-scapes in which the real and imaginary are subtly merged and interweaved.

Thoughts and perspectives on the theme of ‘Landscape’ run as a central line of enquiry throughout this exhibition and there are indeed points of contact where each artist’s practice overlaps. However, we are presented with three very different ideas about our relationship to the natural environment including themes of memory, seclusion, loneliness, interconnectivity and the passing of time. Our three artists present new angles on these established ideas and how we view the world.

The past few years have seen a lull in abstract painting. It is both invigorating and refreshing to see the confidence with which these three artists deliver their practices, proving that the tidal current of abstraction is still strong.

Towards Abstraction

Vanni Macchiagodena’s bold abstract environments engage with archaic themes. The passing of time, the enormity of the landscape, even the tale of Saint Martin, who as a Roman soldier cut his cloak in half to keep a beggar warm, help to forge the power of his images. From uninhabitable ridges to ploughed fields Macchiagodena expresses a direct, physical engagement with the world around him and the forces of nature at play. His canvases bear heavy shades of black, brown, green and grey, contrasting with sharp, heavy layers of white and occassionally a flash or block of deep red. As identified by writer and psychoanalyst Anthony Molino, the occasional presence of a fragile sapling emphasises a haunting sense of loneliness. Such figurative subtleties make Macchiagodena’s usual absence of human figures that little bit more poignant.

Vanni Macchiagodena

Boo Mallinson’s soothing pastel-like canvases emerge through a process of simplification, built upon layers of memory to create ambiguous scenery with a softness of palette and a welcome sense of calm. Boo says, “My paintings act as a visual diary and a way of recording my everyday walks and journeys through the landscape. When walking we absorb the sights, sounds and smells and they come together to form a very strong memory of place... these sensuous encounters with the natural world form the starting point of my paintings.”

Boo studied art at The Byam Shaw School of Art and exhibits extensively across the South of England including London and Cornwall. She currently lives and works in Dorset.

Boo Mallinson

The restless energy of Thorpe’s lively compositions is offset by the still earthiness of Macchiagodena’s canvases. With a strong base of sea blues and greens and striking injections of reds, yellows and oranges, Thorpe composes vibrant patchworks of colour with a sense of urgency. Her seascapes capture oceanic elements in full flow.

Formally educated in textile design at Middlesex University, Thorpe was picked up almost immediately after graduating by one of the UKs top textile design studios in London where she quickly established herself as one of their most prolific and successful designers. Returning now to her passion for painting, Thorpe has been selected for various prestigious exhibitions and awards including The Green and Stone Award (Chelsea Art Society).

Justine Lois Thorpe

San Martino(Saint Martin)oil on canvas100x 111 cm£3,600

La Ghiandaia(The Bluejay)oil on canvas100x 111 cm£3,600

Paesaggio Notturno(Nocturnal Landscape)oil on canvas70 x 71 cm£2,200

Vanni Macchiagodena

Incontro n.1(Encounter No 1)oil on canvas24 x 30 cm£900

Incontro n.2(Encounter No 2)oil on canvas24 x 30 cm£900

La Spiaggia(The Beach)oil on canvas69 x 70 cm£2,200

Vanni Macchiagodena

Solitudine n.1(Solitude No 1)oil on canvas24 x 30 cm£900

Solitudine n.2(Solitude No 2)oil on canvas24 x 30 cm£900

Dialogo Tra Due Alberi (Dialogue Between Two Trees)oil on canvas70 x 71 cm£2,200

Vanni Macchiagodena

Paesaggio(Landscape)oil on canvas67 x 68 cm£2,200

Campo Arato(Ploughed Field)oil on canvas63 x 84 cm£2,500

La Tragedia del Dirigibile Italia(The Tragedy of the Airship Italia)oil on canvas71 x 72 cm£2,200

Vanni Macchiagodena

From Land to Seamixed media on canvas55 x 55 cm£750

Back from the Baymixed media on canvas board30 x 30 cm£600

Between the Rocksmixed media on board33 x 39 cm£525

Boo Mallinson

Cheerful Daymixed media on board33 x 39 cm£525

Dark Cliffs, Bright Beachmixed media on canvas43 x 53 cm£600

Distant Coastmixed media on board33 x 39 cm£525

Boo Mallinson

Feels Like Greecemixed media on canvas45 x 56 cm£700

Shifting Lightmixed media on canvas60 x 60 cm£750

Goodbye Wintermixed media on canvas board30 x 30 cm£600

Boo Mallinson

Moving Onmixed media on canvas115 x 130 cm£2,200

Red Field Revisitedmixed media on canvas38 x 43 cm£595

Boo Mallinson

Loving the Pinkmixed media on canvas77 x 77 cm£900

Red Square Ioil on board81 x 81 cm£1,500

Red Square IIoil on board81 x 81 cm£1,500

Red and Blackoil on board81 x 81 cm£1,500

Justine Lois Thorpe

The Redoil on board117 x 123 cm£2,600

Yellow Squareoil on board81 x 81 cm£1,500

Orange Landscapeoil on board94 x 140 cm£2,600

Justine Lois Thorpe

In Solutionoil on board28 x 42 cm£700

Inbetweenoil on board28 x 42 cm£700

Swayoil on board28 x 42 cm£700

Justine Lois Thorpe

Towards Kernow Ioil on board117 x 122 cm£2,600

Towards Kernow IIIoil on board117 x 122 cm£2,600

Sea Elements IIIoil on board117 x 122 cm£2,600

Justine Lois Thorpe

Sea Elements Ioil on board82 x 122 cm£1,600

High Landoil on board70 x 89 cm£1,400

Greyoil on board28 x 42 cm£700

Justine Lois Thorpe