Del Kathryn Barton's Jubilant Femininity at Cromwell Place

Cromwell Place and Arndt Art Agency open an exhibition of fantastical feminine forms in psychedelic colours this week.

of her own nature (24 May–4 June 2023), brings together major works by Australian artist Del Kathryn Barton, who is interested in feminine power. The exhibition is Barton’s first solo presentation in London.

Barton’s elaborate large-scale paintings depict female-presenting figures sprouting feathers and snake-like tails among luminescent flora and fauna. Her use of intricate patterns and kaleidoscopic colour is intoxicating to behold— it’s almost hallucinatory.

In made for this moment, to love like this, without doing violence to her instincts (2023), Barton shows off her skilful manipulation of acrylic paint, layering highly detailed textures of hair, feathers, scales, and stripes, translucent skin tones, and an oozing, melting cosmos salted with stars, planets, and galaxies.

Four figures emerge from a body of water and the surrounding grasses. They’re tied to the earth by serpentine vines and sprout peculiar red flowers. Colour pulsates through every inch of the painting.

Barton has twice won the Archibald Prize, Australia’s preeminent prize for portraiture (2008 and 2013). She is represented in Sydney by Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery.

Main image: Del Kathryn Barton, made for this moment, to love like this, without doing violence to her instincts (2023). Acrylic on linen. 200 x 350 cm. Courtesy the artist and Arndt Art Agency (A3), Berlin. Photo: Jenny Carter.