Terrence Higgins Trust, The Timed Auction 2021

Tuesday Riddell practices the ancient art of japanning, a decorative finish characterised by black lacquer gilded with gold and silver leaf, that originated as a European imitation of Asian lacquer work popularised during the 17th century. It is currently an endangered practice, listed on The Radcliffe Trust’s red list of endangered crafts.

Riddell’s intricately detailed compositions are fantastical yet rooted in dark themes of mortality and contemporary environmental concerns.

Inspired by the 17th century sub-genre of Sottobosco painting, Riddell’s pieces imagine nocturnal scenes that capture the magical metamorphosis and growth that take place in the dark underwood of the forest floor. Through the processes of japanning these creations are grounded in dramatic tones of black and gold. The ornate surface of the works, together with the depth of narrative, are traversed together in a rare marriage of the imagined world and the decorated surface.

This lot is kindly donated by Tuesday Riddell.
www.tuesdayriddell.com