Davina Jackson: Close to the Sun

15 March - 7 April 2019

Overview

Davina Jackson paints intimate studies of the family dynamic, where the relationship between husband and wife, parent and child take centre stage. Through tonality and form, she acutely conveys a subtle dialogue of care and affection, where embracing figures recline and comfort in the presence of the other. Though there is drama in these worlds too, as powerful contrasts in colour incur vivid motion and animation upon these figures that move towards and away from each other, as if dancing. These are not simply paintings of the domestic world with soft walls and gentle light, but works that interrogate and encapsulate a distinctive bond between subjects. Within this space, Jackson does not simply depict romantic love, but a mature and intimate portrayal of kinship and respect.

London born artist Davina Jackson attended Central St. Martins and Byam Shaw art schools before being awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Art from The Royal Academy School of Art in 1997. Since then she has had many exhibitions, most notably at the Pontone Gallery, Albemarle Gallery, Boundary Gallery and The Discerning Eye exhibition at The Mall Galleries. This is a unique opportunity to view a comprehensive solo show of her new works.

Davina Jackson makes paintings of human figures, pared down to an essential, schematic abstraction. These expressive iterations of dynamic form are derived from a personal iconography of classical allusion and allegory. The images are shaped from the elemental material of the palette, suggestive of archaeological excavation and unveiling. They inhabit a world of rich colour and texture, where vibrant, earthy hues combine with bone-whites, tinted greys and chalky creams.

Harmonious colour combinations drive the compositions, punctuated by strategic, contrasting accents. Hers is a highly-wrought surface, articulated by the bold application of films of clotted and slick oil paint, sometimes translucent - sometimes opaque, that cloak, mask or reveal the subject. Graphic and gestural handling underlines the nature of the content, emphasising its emotive weight. Jackson's figure arrangements bring to mind Picasso, her simple refinements of underlying form echo Moore. She acknowledges her interest in, and debt to, the 20th century Italian artists Marini, Sironi, Martini and Carra. Her work is steeped in the humanist tradition of 20th century modernism.

The story of Icarus is a recurrent theme. His falling image features in several paintings, operating as both symbol and compositional device. The paintings are theatrical. Subjects are arranged and displayed in a painted arena, a dramatic space in which to promote varying themes, typically of human encounter, interaction and solitude. This is where the artist lays out and considers the 'intimate relationships and emotional states' important to her.

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Works