Ces McCully, behind the letters

Artwork Analysis - 'I hope to be a better person in my next life' (chalkboard white)

This week saw the much-anticipated opening of Ces McCully's debut London solo exhibition 'Mary and Me'. The opening was a great success and gave an opportunity for viewers to see the incredible textures, colours, and artistry of the new series of works for themselves!

 

 Ces McCully

You can not have it all (chalkboard white), 2022
Oil on Canvas, Framed in Wood
75 x 60 cm
29 1/2 x 23 5/8 in
 

The exhibition will continue to showcase until the 26th of March 2022. The exhibition hosts sixteen works produced during the pandemic. McCully presents her varied art practice within this exhibition which combines both her abstract, pattern works alongside her satirical text pieces which she is so well known for. 

 

Ces McCully uses the same colour palette for each letter that she uses in each individual piece which creates a unique and stylistic visual language that is specific to her art practice. The statements echo feelings of isolation and internal feelings and emotions that we can all relate to over this period of adversity and solitude. 

 

Ces McCully

I Secretly Think I'm Smarter Than You, 2022
Acrylic on Archival Paper
Framed in Dark Wood
59 x 41.5 cm
23 1/4 x 16 3/8 in
 

One of the pieces that I would like to note is 'I hope to be a better person in my next life' (chalkboard white). The piece has a white chalky background with primary colours peeking through the picture plain. As the viewer scans the piece, they are inclined to look for a deeper meaning, or secret letters that may be within the piece. The works imperfect statements lend themselves to an internal and broken narrative, the statement is not written in a perfect way, just like our thoughts are segmented before we present them to the world. There is a visceral sense of vulnerability with this series of works. 

 

Ces McCully

I hope to be a better person in my next life (chalkboard white), 2022
Oil on Canvas, Framed in Wood
75 x 60 cm
29 1/2 x 23 5/8 in
 

Each frame has been handmade by the artist which also links to the atmosphere of the statements and the artists environment in which she creates the pieces. The viewer is made to work to receive the full statement and message of the piece. The letters are not smooth or polished much like the chalky background of the artworks. 

 

 Ces McCully

It made sense at the time (chalkboard teal), 2022
Oil on Canvas, Framed in Wood
75 x 60 cm
29 1/2 x 23 5/8 in
 

The vulnerability and shared statements of the pieces create a meaningful connection between artist and viewer. The statements are thoughts we have all had internally and feelings we've experienced. The colour palette subsequently lends itself to child-like unfiltered statements that adults are afraid to express in mature settings and their working lives and relationships. 

 

If you would like to receive the full pricelist for the exhibition, please contact info@rhodescontemporaryart.com or call +44 (0)20 7240 7909. The exhibition continues to the 26th of March 2022. Don't miss it! 

 

 Ces McCully

Help I'm bored again (large chalkboard white), 2021
Oil on Canvas, Framed in Wood
160 x 120 cm
63 x 47 1/4 in
 
February 26, 2022
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