Harmony and Surprise tells two simple stories about the power of colour.

Working within a restricted palette often leads to harmonious colour compositions. The Zorn palette, popularised by Anders Zorn (1860–1920), is a prime example of this method, using only four colours: yellow ochre, vermillion, ivory black, and flake white. All the works in We are the Earth are painted using a modified Zorn palette, consisting of:

• Indian yellow: Transparent and vibrant, providing brighter mixtures than yellow ochre.

• Burnt sienna: Earthy and grounded, offering deeper, browner hues than vermillion.

• Zinc white: The most transparent white pigment, perfect for subtle layering.

• Chromatic black: A transparent blend of complementary pigments, used for creating rich depths.

The transparent nature of these pigments enables complex layering, adding richness and harmony throughout the work.

Josef Albers famously explored how colours appear differently depending on their context. A simple change in background can transform the perceived colour of a shape, creating surprising shifts in how we experience colour.

Oil, alkyd and polyurethane on foam-backed 4 mm ACM sheet.

Find installation info here.