Local artist Julia Langley has a second solo exhibition starting next week at the Jeannie Avent Gallery. This is a review of her last show there in 2019 called ‘Planthunter’.
Langley began painting about 20 years ago, when she said painting was “out of fashion.” She works out of her small studio in her East Dulwich home.
Langley explained that planthunters are the people who went to China, Japan and America and brought back specimens that inhabit British gardens today. This is why the ‘Planthunter’ exhibit focuses on where plants come from.
“Hopefully everyone finds a painting they can identify with,” Langley said.
All of the paintings in Langley’s exhibit are from 2019, while the prints that she has for sale showcase some of her older work. Langley used to use oil paints, but has moved into the world of acrylic painting for this exhibit. She said she does not want to stick to clichés in her flower paintings; she wants her paintings to have a “punch” to them.
“The process of painting them is making my own vision,” Langley said.
My favourite painting was Langley’s picture of Chinese ragwort. It’s ironic because many people consider these flowers a type of weed. However, I really liked the way the yellows and browns work together in this painting. Mixing these colours together gave the picture a very warm tone.
The Jeannie Avent Gallery is very small, but it is perfect for the ‘Planthunter’ exhibit. Its many windows allow the perfect amount of natural light to stream in, making it easy to see the intricate details of Langley’s beautiful floral paintings.
Langley is looking forward to having people come and see her exhibit.
“Hopefully it gives you a little snippet into that world I live in,” Langley said.
Julia Langley Studio will be on display at the Jeannie Avent Gallery, located at 14 North Cross Road, from 30th September until 12 October 2021. You can find Langley on Instagram @j.k_langley or on her website.
