The Hidden Picture; Paintings by Nina Carter and Rebecca Hunter

About

Nina Carter and Rebecca Hunter are proud to present 'The Hidden Picture'; an exhibition of works with a dual meaning. The two artists studied together in Canterbury. Their work is linked by a subtle factor; both painters have explored seemingly joyous themes, but in doing so have revealed a darker side to their subjects. Both artists use colour as a vital attribute to their paintings, and both have styles which stand somewhere between figurative and abstract. Nina Carter's work is based on her travels to Indonesia. Whilst traveling she was overwhelmed by the abundance of natural beauty, but realized the darker side of nature when she experienced an earthquake and climbed an active volcano. Indonesia has the highest levels of tectonic activity world wide, and the people live in the constant knowledge that nature could strike at any time. Inspired by Gauguin, Matisse and Chris Ofili, Nina's work addresses the fickle temper of the earth and the way local people cope in this fragile landscape. She contrasts her first impressions of a tranquil paradise, with her experiences of natures more sinister side. Rebecca Hunter's energetic and expressive paintings are linked by their dramatic light and their voyeuristic quality. Through her studies of light and celebration Rebecca contrasts the vibrance and energy of humanity with the power of darkness. Inspired by Frank Auerbach and Leon Kossoff, she uses thick paint and heavy brush strokes to create a dark and emotive atmosphere. As the viewer we are strangely removed from the scene, positioned in the shadows. Placed in the position of an onlooker, the viewer finds themselves in an unsettling darkness which questions our initial impressions of gayety and joy.