Alice Kemp and Yuichiro Kikuma are two artists enthralled by nature, drawn to the details that often go unnoticed. Sharing a studio, the same things often inspire them in distinctly different ways. While Alice might gaze through the gaps between a tree’s branches, Yuichiro will examine its trunk. They choose to depict their observations not through traditional landscape portrayals, but in abstracted expressions that offer few clues. Presented together for the first time outside of a group exhibition, the dialogue poses more questions than answers. Mostly because both bodies of work represent the first steps in a new direction for each artist. 

Alice’s recent work retains the core motifs for which she is known — bold figures against blurred, patterned backgrounds — but has now shifted towards the gestural. Previously she’d meticulously paint the details with thick, impasto strokes, creating recognisable imagery such as lettuce or birds. Those bold strokes are now mere outlines. The blurred shape of a leaf in free fall, or the abstract edges of the negative space of the bare apple tree in her garden in winter. The change of direction could be interpreted as an attempt to look through nature, rather than at it, in an effort to capture one of life’s inevitabilities: the passing of time itself, which is precious and fleeting.

Yuichiro’s body of work involves the use of found objects that he uses to make marks. His latest series introduces colour into the process, adding both vibrancy and an enhanced sense of mystery to his abstract patterns. What they are isn’t something he’ll reveal, other than to admit they’ve been transferred to canvas via the method of Frottage, or rubbing. Influenced by his upbringing in Japan, where there is an ingrained reverence for nature, Yuichiro talks about “surrendering” to nature. Surrendering to the elements and the patterns that one might say choose him instead of the other way around. It is a process of patience, and quite tiring rubbing the canvas, but also the most authentic way to capture the essence.

The evolution of these artists’ practices has been gradual and organic, and it feels right for them to now pause and reflect on their journey. Each focusses on different parts of an entity, but presented together their work represents a natural whole. That’s a conceptual assessment, but it’s also, excitingly, another tentative step towards continued evolution. Though Alice and Yuichiro have already made a few things together, this is the first time both have contributed to a single canvas. 

— Text by @LondonArtRoundup