Rhonda Whitehead is returning to Cambridge for her solo exhibition at Kings Arts Centre. All works included in the exhibition are from her recent Australia series.
She lives and works on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders. Since leaving London in 2003 she has been professionally active, having had five solo exhibitions. Two were at the Grapevine Gallery in Norwich, reviewed enthusiastically by the critics Christopher Smith and Mary Rudd, two were at at the AWD gallery in Halesworth, Suffolk and one at Clare Hall Gallery in Cambridge. Her painting 'Venice Ochre' won first prize at the Byard Open exhibition in 2006 in Cambridge. She has also taken part in various mixed shows and open studio exhibitions.
"Rhonda Whitehead paintings reveal a kaleidoscopic response to her experiences of Australia, Italy and Istanbul, capturing the effects of time and erosion on both natural and man - made materials. Remnants of urban posters appear torn, their layers stripped away to reveal luminous areas of pure colour in her studies of Italy. The atmosphere of Istanbul is captured in a work that abstracts the light falling on the weathered surface of a building. Her paintings represent the essential nature of surfaces, materials and structures observed in close - ups that are both 'details' and total views reminding one of the work of Tapies. The emphasis on the physicality of the paint and spontaneity of technique, together with a sense of meditative contemplation create not only carefully observed studies but also heightened realities. "
- Imma Ramos.
