Viewing Onya McCausland: Tailings

At the idyllic CLOSE Gallery in Somerset, Onya McCausland presents a new body of work made from pigments derived from post-industrial landscapes. Long known for transforming mining residue into site-specific colour, McCausland uses Tailings to continue her investigation into material memory and the afterlife of landscape. Though grounded in research, the resulting works are atmospheric rather than didactic and her journey and forensic study is reflected in her titling as coordinates of all the sites reflected in the work. Subtle and powerful conversations in canvas around the extractive nature of mining and its impacts on our world.

The first impression given by McCausland’s work is one of stillness. Muted ochres, rust reds and smoky earth tones gather in works that appear atmospheric, elemental and almost meditative at first glance. But their calm is complicated by what they are made from. McCausland does not depict environmental damage directly. Instead, she allows the material itself to carry this history, turning pigment into evidence and painting into a record of what extraction leaves behind. One to visit and reflect in.

Whilst there, don’t forget to check out the gorgeously curated shop of collectible items from the CLOSE family, built by visionary founder Freeny Yianni and including works from Caralie McCall, Simon Hitchens and Philip Sinden to name but a few.