Another Day of Sun: Christabel Blackburn
'Turning her gaze to Los Angeles, Blackburn shares her exploration into the peculiarities of a city that both appeals and repels, leaving plenty of space for the viewer to engage with their own narrative." - Kate Bryan, Curator & Chief Art Director, Soho House
Drawing from her fascination with California's sunlight and architecture, Blackburn's artistic practice finds its true essence in this collection. Her keen observation and sensitively reduced visual language, capture the core of the LA landscape. Through her art, Blackburn evokes a sense of both elation and tension, prompting contemplation on the fine line between solitude and calm. The vastness of the Californian spaces portrayed in her paintings serves as a backdrop for viewers to experience a meditative journey, akin, in Blackburn's words, to "the feeling of being bathed in sunlight."
In preparation for this exhibition, Blackburn decided to experience first-hand the setting to be painted, travelling to Los Angeles where she meticulously sketched real-life scenes and captured fleeting moments through photography. These raw observations were then translated onto canvas in her London studio, resulting in a blend of organic spontaneity and carefully choreographed scenes. Drawing inspiration from her love for street photography and the works of influential artists like Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Blackburn seamlessly integrates the interplay between figures and architecture, light and form, to create a harmonious balance within her paintings.
