Mixing It Up: Painting Today

Bright exhibition at Hayward Gallery of painting by 31 contemporary artists. 

When I entered this show I was struck by the wonderful colours. Things got more sludge like upstairs but the first impression was a welcome blast of brightness and light. As with any show of this number of artists there were hits and misses but all of the work gave you something to think about and reassured me that there is still good painting about. 

Highlights included Lisa Brice’s large picture of an artists studio shown here completely populated by women. Her work focuses on the role of women in contemporary and historic art and I always love it. Also show here is Kadzanai-Voilet Hwami’s “Bira”, a beautifully finished work. 

I also liked Jonathon Wateridge’s stunningly realistic works based on improvises scenarios in his studio and Caroline Coon’s quirky football pictures and Louise Giovanelli’s amazing pictures of shiny surfaces such as a set of green satin curtains. 

Closes 12 December 2021


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