Cat Spilman

The introduction of colour in Make It Blue is inspired by Spilman’s admiration for the bold, playful aesthetics of mid-20th-century design, particularly the bright, nostalgic tones found in 1960s advertising and children’s books. This era, with its distinctive use of colour and shape, has long influenced Spilman, and in this new collection, she channels that inspiration into her work.

Although incorporating colour marked a major change, it was not without challenges. Spilman spent months experimenting with different palettes, working until she found combinations that felt authentic to her style. This process of trial and error allowed her to balance the energy of colour with the strength of form that has always defined her work. While the vibrant hues may be new, Spilman’s emphasis on shape and composition remains at the core of her practice. Her abstract forms continue to drive the pieces, with colour enhancing the emotional depth rather than overwhelming it.

Having previously described her abstract works as ‘self-portraits,’ this new series delves even further into autobiographical territory. “I’d describe these works as autobiographical. They represent not just myself, but the various parts of my life - family, friends, and a sense of place,” Spilman says.

Spilman’s process remains spontaneous and fluid, allowing her paintings to evolve organically. Layers of paint and experimentation reveal glimpses of earlier versions, adding texture and complexity to the finished pieces. This openness to imperfection gives her work a dynamic, layered quality that speaks to both her personal and artistic growth.

Before Make It Blue, Spilman participated in several notable exhibitions at RHODES. In March 2024, she was featured in Divergence: Exploring Monochromatic Abstraction, a group exhibition that examined the psychological nuances of black and white, emphasising the divergence of emotions and perspectives within a monochrome palette. In September 2023, her solo exhibition Cravings marked a shift towards block abstract shapes, moving away from her previous sketchy style to works carrying more weight and density, yet still infused with movement and energy.

Cat Spilman received her BFA with honours from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. After her career in New York, she relocated to England, where she now lives and works as an artist in her London studio.