Currents

An exhibition of new paintings from aunt and niece Emma Hartley and Alice Hartley.

Two artists from the South Downs, Emma in Hawkley; Alice in nearby village Sheet, now living and working in London come together to share family ties to land they know so well, the trails of the Hangers from Steep to Hawkley, an almost timeless space, bringing refuge that transports you to familiar beauty, recollection, and memories.

Emma Hartley said: “My paintings transport you somewhere but not just anywhere. The fall of light on the water expresses the physicality of the place as opposed to just looking at a place. This work is strongly influenced by the Sun, Moon and Water and the gentle flow of Air. These romantic paintings create refuges of safety, longing, and comfort."

Alice Hartley said: “My new series of paintings come from a place of comfort in memory of land contrasting with a newer energy, something more frantic and concerned. Lush greens are there to remind and relive, with sharp straight lines and ridged marks that force themselves in. The focus seems to have shifted from witnessing to involvement. There is haste, impatience, loudly voiced with an urge to act."