Expressionists at The Tate, a special restaurant and a unique gift idea
All Things Arty
With a focus on the avant-garde Munich expressionists of the early 20th century, this was a fascinating exhibition. Known as The Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) this group of artists led by Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriel Münter marked an important moment in art history and I was keen to learn more.
I wasn’t 100% sold on the curators’ interpretation of some of the work and I found parts of the accompanying text slightly presumptive and unnecessary, but the exhibition is beautifully displayed and informative.
I was particularly drawn to Münter’s paintings and her use of colour: Listening (Portrait of Jawlensky), 1909, a favourite. In contrast, I have always found Kandinsky’s colours slightly jarring, but reading about his and others’ interest in colour theory and his relation with poetry, sound and synaesthesia, the exhibition resonated with me. In one room two pieces of music by modernist composer Arnold Schoenberg play whilst you view Kandinsky’s Impression III (Concert) - a direct response to a Schoenberg concert (listen here); Kandinsky was overcome by how the compositions were exactly what he had been trying to portray through his paintings. I found this fascinating as it’s something I’ve been touching upon in my own recent work; there are certain pieces of music that I listen to that seem like the musical equivalent of what I am painting.
The exhibition was very enlightening and it was especially compelling given much of the art’s pre-First World War Germany context. A fantastic visualisation of this key moment in art history, it was clear to see the transition from late impressionism to expressionism and its influence on future and coinciding movements such as futurism and abstract expressionism. I was struck by how much influence the Blue Rider group has had and also how much I could relate to the philosophical and spiritual subjects that the artists were absorbed by.
Foodie Musings
My fourth foodie musing - a bit of a hidden gem.
The Water House Project, Bethnal Green, London
I was initially introduced to The Water House Project about five years ago when it was still in a supper club format. I was instantly hooked by chef Gabriel Waterhouse’s meticulous eye for detail and partner Trish’s warm, unflappable hospitality. The Waterhouse Project has gradually evolved to its current form with a more traditional restaurant format based in Bethnal Green in an open-plan, pared back, yet warm and comfortable industrial unit.
The execution is flawless, from the generous welcome drink to the seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients transformed into delicious menus. A carefully curated drinks pairing really elevates the food to a new level. The modern British tasting menu changes with the seasons and often includes pickles, ferments and preserves from previous seasons’ foragings, all beautifully brought together by someone with a clearly creative eye. I loved the in-house butter that included some of the buttermilk adding an extra tang to the freshly baked bread. A tomato dish with fermented strawberries and nasturtium flowers looked almost too beautiful to eat but it was worth it when I did. Another dish I’ll always remember from a few years ago is whisky ice cream served on a frozen pebble - it transported me straight to Scotland.
With so many evocative flavours and with such exceptional flair, this is another special restaurant and a bit of a hidden gem in London’s fine dining scene.
Inspiration Update
The transition from summer to autumn has become one of my favourite times of year with the long shadows of the evenings and the colours changing by the day as the leaves begin to turn. I actually associate it with fresh starts - probably stemming from the traditional school year - and it usually coincides with a return from summer holidays feeling invigorated and ready to crack on with new projects. I’ve just returned from a week in Portugal and a week in the Scottish Highlands; quite the contrast in locations but both inspiring in their own rights. The colours where I stayed in the Algarve were stunning with sunshine yellows, swimming pool blues and dappled sunlight through the carob tree. In contrast, the purple heathers and browns and moss greens of The Highlands were equally as inspiring; being somewhere so isolated and quiet was the perfect respite from the bustle and pace of London life.
Recent Work
My first ART + WINE event with fellow artist Kate Morrison, proved a great success - you can read more about it here.
In one of my favourite local wine bars, dan's, we featured a selection of paintings alongside wines that we'd paired with them creating a unique and exciting way of viewing our work.
The next ART + WINE event will be the second week in November where I'll also be launching my next collection (exact date TBC). I’ll let you know more details very soon but here's a teaser of some of my new paintings:
***UPDATE For various reasons we had to postpone our second ART + WINE event - the next one will be in the New Year.***
In other news I'm thrilled to have work with a new gallery in Yorkshire - The Limes. They'll be representing me online as well as having paintings at their fab new location in Weeton, near Harrogate.
On a final note, as we're quickly approaching the festive season I thought I'd remind you of my bespoke Painting Answers project that makes a special and truly unique gift. Check it out below for more details.
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