ORIGINS: Group Exhibition

From its humble beginnings as a simple, utilitarian material, paper has evolved into a powerful conduit for artistic expression, allowing for an infinite range of possibilities in form, texture, and narrative.

Origins celebrates paper as the foundational medium in the creative process, often where an artist’s journey begins—whether through a sketch, a scribble, or a larger conceptual piece. In this exhibition, we have given the artists no limits other than that their work must be created on paper. This freedom has allowed them to experiment and push the boundaries of their practices, resulting in a dynamic collection of works that explore the full potential of paper as a powerful medium for expression.

Among the artists featured, Elina Ojakangas explores themes of identity and melancholy through surreal, distorted forms. Her autobiographical works transform personal feelings into warped, dreamlike compositions, where elongated human figures reflect the emotional depth she aims to convey.

Martha Zmpounou is a London-based figurative artist whose work delves into themes of reverie, love, loss, and memory. Using watercolour, she captures the fragmented nature of the human figure. Her practice explores the tension between abstraction and representation, often presenting incomplete forms that evoke both seduction and repulsion, reflecting the complexities of identity.

Hattie Malcomson examines women’s sexuality and beauty standards through vivid, sensual imagery. Her paintings portray female figures in moments of both power and vulnerability, using bold colours and textures to create a sense of attraction and repulsion, confronting patriarchal society and celebrating unapologetic femininity.

Kevin Sabo uses exaggerated proportions and distinct fashion choices to explore masculine and feminine tropes. His works contrast suited men, symbols of corporate masculinity, with playful, dominant female figures, subverting traditional gender dynamics in bold, colourful compositions.

Miroslav Pelák tackles social and political issues through his modernist-inspired paintings. His works critically engage with current events, reshaping traditional painting styles to reflect the realities of everyday life.

Genevieve Cohn creates powerful compositions that explore female communities and collective strength. Drawing inspiration from historical and literary sources, her work imagines a world where women derive power from collaboration, self-endowed agency, and connection with nature.

Melody Tuttle’s vibrant oil paintings capture women in intimate, solitary moments, celebrating the beauty of everyday rituals. Her figures, bathed in warm hues, evoke a peaceful vibrancy, highlighting themes of self-reliance and female identity in her dreamlike compositions.

Rusudan Khizanishvili creates abstract, transformative works that explore the complexities of identity and the power of women. Her paintings invoke a sense of ancient mythology, where strength and transformation are central themes, creating new worlds from within the self.

Sophie Bretez’s surrealist works challenge traditional representations of the female body. Her figures, often set against an illuminated horizon, assert control over their own bodies, confronting societal views and exploring themes of recovery, self-empowerment, and existential ambiguity.

Larysa Myers explores femininity and motherhood through abstract, cyclical forms. Her work reflects on memory, identity, and nature, using intuitive mark-making to create a dreamlike quality that invites introspection and emotional depth.

Colette Lavette draws on mythological narratives and biomorphic forms, using expressionist marks to create figures that suggest both ancient and contemporary sensibilities. Her works explore the intersection of sustainability, geological history, and the human condition.

Camilla Perkins creates vibrant landscapes and still-lifes that celebrate the serene beauty of nature and the profound bonds between women. Using oil pastels and bold brushwork, her works capture the essence of gardens and familial connections, invoking a dreamlike, meditative quality.

Eddie Jones explores the emotional power of mountainous landscapes, translating his photographic captures into paintings and prints. His works evoke a spiritual connection to nature, using layers of tonally similar colours to create mood and depth, contrasting the rural wilderness with the energy of city life.

Origins serves as a powerful testament to the limitless potential of paper as both a medium and a vehicle for artistic expression. Through the diverse and thought-provoking works of the 13 featured artists, this exhibition highlights the unique ways in which paper can transform and elevate the creative process. Each artist, with their distinctive approach, challenges the conventional boundaries of the medium, exploring themes of identity, power, femininity, and the complexities of the human experience. Together, they present a dynamic collection that not only celebrates the versatility of paper but also invites viewers to reflect on the emotional and social narratives embedded in their work.