Celia Paul’s ‘Colony of Ghosts’ at Victoria Miro explores themes of memory and identity through haunting portraits. The exhibition runs until 17 April 2025, featuring works that reflect on gender dynamics and emotional depth. An accompanying monograph will further highlight her artistic journey from 1975 to 2025.
Celia Paul’s latest exhibition, ‘Colony of Ghosts’, at Victoria Miro in London runs until 17 April 2025. The exhibition showcases Paul’s ethereal portraits and landscapes, evoking a sense of the past while engaging with the present. Paul reflects on her experiences, stating her memories often feel more vivid than her current existence, creating an eerie atmosphere throughout her work.
Her recent paintings explore the concept of portraiture as a speculative and spiritual process. The piece ‘Ghost of a Girl with an Egg’ (2023) references Lucian Freud’s earlier work, transforming her representation from a mere subject to one that embodies spirit and presence, challenging the male gaze and asserting her identity.
The titular piece ‘Colony of Ghosts’ features renowned artists Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, Frank Auerbach, and Michael Andrews. Here, Paul examines her artistic lineage, placing herself within the context of these giants while commanding attention through her direct gaze in the adjacent painting, ‘Reclining Painter’ (2023).
Paul’s works are infused with deep emotional resonance, often depicting figures in sorrowful poses. In ‘Weeping Muse’ (2024), a figure dressed in white expresses grief, becoming a poignant image of lamentation. The textures and layers in her paintings render them powerful and evocative, combining ethereality with tangible emotion, reflecting on loss while inviting viewers to consider their own connections to the past.
Celia Paul’s exhibition invites visitors to explore themes of memory, identity, and emotional depth, reinforcing the dialogue between past and present. An accompanying monograph titled ‘Celia Paul: Works 1975–2025’ is published by MACK and available through Waterstones.
The exhibition ‘Celia Paul: Colony of Ghosts’ effectively blends themes of memory and identity, inviting introspection through its hauntingly beautiful artworks. Paul’s mastery of portraiture and emotional expression elevates her work, asserting her presence in a landscape shaped by historical figures. This showcase not only honours the past but reinvigorates the present with a powerful artistic voice.
Original Source: www.wallpaper.com