Double happiness

'Good things come in pairs’ — an ancient Chinese proverb that plays on the philosophical principle of yin and yang, as well as the idea of ‘double happiness’ (seng hei). This week’s selection follows this wisdom by focusing on artistic pairings, particularly a selection of works by Theresa Reilly-Cooper and Nicola Wiltshire.

Pilgrim's Way by Nicola Wiltshire

“I’ve curated these two artists together, because their similarities and differences make for an amiable visual tension. Similarities in subject - the natural world, organic forms, enjoyment of colour, clear boundary setting and a tendency towards pattern; and the obvious visual differences found in the contrast between the hyperrealism of Theresa’s work and the joyful bold expressionism of Nicola’s - shared roots make them great visual companions.” - Sarah

Plum by Theresa Reilly-Cooper

Both artists’ works offer “obvious visual contrast, which makes for an amiable tension”, says our Director Sarah on her choices to pair the two together. Sarah was drawn to the contrast between “the hyperrealism of Theresa’s work and the joyful bold expressionism found in Nicola’s… although the work is visually so different on the immediate surface, they have shared roots below which make them great companion pieces”.

Heat, colour, light… these artists both gift us with different approaches to exploring the bounty of nature. Reilly-Cooper’s photographic drawings reveal a startling frankness in presenting her subjects for what they are; all precision, no hesitation and no frills. From the bruises of a plum, to the glassy shine of a hard boiled sweet, her attentive drawings bring out the true wildness of everyday sustenance.

Simmer by Nicola Wiltshire

For Wiltshire, oil paints and inks are used to depict exotic landscapes in various states of living.The scenic elements are silhouetted in blocks of soft-edged colour, displaying a confidence and assurance in her craft that has seen her listed as an “artist to watch” in The Guardian. Sometimes abstract, always playful — her work tends to find the balance and harmony in shapes and pattern from life.

See how the chartreuse of ‘Quince’ offsets the violets and magentas of ‘Simmer’? We think the pieces sit wonderfully together, and hope you do too.

Quince by Theresa Reilly-Cooper