Echoes
TURNER SIMS, SOUTHAMPTON, 22.01.18 - 16.03.18
Lucy Ash’s exhibition at Turner Sims features a cycle of works on paper and linen. Created in response to the melodies, lyrics, and themes of Trish Clowes album 'My Iris'.
IRIS 02
2018, Oil on linen, 85 x 120 cm,
IRIS 01
2017, Oil on linen, 85 x 120 cm
RAINBOW
2017, Oil, ink and spray paint on paper, 36 x 47 cm,
IMPROVISATION 03
2017, Oil, ink and spray paint on paper, 18 x 26 cm,
HOMELAND 01
2017, Oil, wax crayon and pencil on paper, 23 x 31 cm
TIME SLEEPS
2017, Oil, ink and spray paint on canvas, 30 x 42.5 cm
IMPROVISATION 01
2017, Oil, ink and spray paint on paper, 26 x 36 cm,
IRIS 03
2017-18, Oil on paper, 31 x 41 cm
FRAGMENTS
2017, Oil, ink and spray paint on linen, 42 x 42 cm.
HOMELAND 02
2017, Oil and crayon on paper, 26 x 36 cm
SILENT TIES
2018, Oil, spray paint and wax crayon on linen, 42 x 42 cm
HOMELAND 03
2017, Oil and crayon on linen, 42 x 42 cm
Echoes is the visual expression of a rich inner dialogue exploring ideas around mythology, migration, rhythm, and time – all recurring themes in Ash’s work. In their vibrancy and colour, her paintings echo and complement the sound world offered by Clowes and her ensemble.
The work directly relates to the jazz music with its emphasis on process, improvisation, and repetition. But what drives and offers a way in are the common themes.
'As a lover of jazz as well as crossover concepts, I was pleased to have the opportunity to work with Trish Clowes. The challenge of making her sound visible has been hugely stimulating. I’ve been able to explore recurring themes we share both around mythology, migration, and time. My work reflects the depth of my connection with her unique approach.' Lucy Ash 2018
Iris 01, 02, 03 and the studies created in preparation of the two main canvasses, consider the symbolism of Iris. An abstract interplay of air and water (suggested by the cloud-nymph/sea-God coupling that resulted in her birth), the association of Iris with the physical eye and with a rainbow – itself a bridge between the different aspects of self. The canvasses also express the hope and vitality Iris is seen to represent.
Homeland, Fragments and Silent Ties explore the theme of forced migration. They evoke both the intransigent landscape as well as migratory flows. Relate to memory and the preservation of cultural rituals evident among displaced people. They draw inspiration from Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian’s deeply moving description of the silent void left in cultures because of forced migration.
Notions of time are represented by Time Sleeps. The Improvisation studies focus on the restorative power of music that lift and touch the soul.