Image by Charlie Knight
Exhibition
9th – 18th August
Exhibition opening night: Friday 9th August 6-9pm
Suzy Crossley brings her first solo show ‘Red and the Sensational’ to SVA after a year of developing a new body of work since moving back to Stroud, Gloucestershire, where the artist grew up.
This year of development has concurrently guided Crossley’s return to home and her continuous exploration into abstraction. Delving deeper into the allure of abstract painting, this show generously allows the viewer to witness Crossley’s sensitive and intimate practice. Comprising an exploration of colour, texture and scale, the works deliver cathartic release to both viewer and artist.
Crossley’s practice begins by recognising her conflict with periods of existential thought; leading to dysphoria toward identity and reality. Through painting, control is reinstated to the artist. Serving as a means to step outside mind and body in relief of lived trauma - the artist elects materials, palette and dimensions; summoning spontaneous and energetic marks.
The canvases bear oils, charcoal and raddle powder - a red pigment primarily used to mark the chest of rams so bred ewes can be identified, which has been a focal point in this series. Crossley encourages the canvas to evolve through multiple states, experiencing light, material and tensions. The artist breathes with the work as it is fabricated, experiencing these states synchronously. Working with the vastness of the canvas’ surface, Crossley builds layers upon layers, allowing the form to morph and take on different identities. Louise Bourgeois’ installation title I Do, I Undo, I Redo (2000) is a phrase Crossley often resonates with when searching for the painting's final state.
This exhibition has been collaboratively curated with artist Fern Angel Adams.
Suzy Crossley lives and works in Stroud and is a graduate from Camberwell College of Arts, London (2021)
Instagram: @suzy.crossley
Web: svastudios.org.uk/suzy-crossley
Opening Times:
Saturdays 10am-4pm, Sundays 10am-3pm
Exhibition opening night: Friday 9th August 6-9pm